Pending a councillor decision at yesterday’s June 16 Clarence Valley Council (CVC) meeting, the council will spend $186,886.57 on upgrading the Maclean showground.

The money comes courtesy of phase one (for works that can commence immediately) of the NSW Government’s Showgrounds Stimulus Program.

The funding will be used to “strengthen the arena fence posts; erect an awning and relocate a gas bottle on the Jim Thompson building; apply bitumen seal; and, constructing kerb and guttering to the showground access road”.

The grant fully-funds the proposed works.

“Quotations will be sought consistent with the requirements of the Local Government Act and Regulation and council’s Sustainable Procurement Policy – Supporting Local Business,” the report to council stated.

“Preparation and submission of Phase One grants was limited to a two-week period.

“Due to the limited time available, council officers engaged with representatives from the Maclean Show Society only, as they are the main user group and have links with the majority of other groups.

“The Maclean Show Society provided a letter of support that was submitted with the application.”