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The grandstand roof (pictured) was damaged during a severe storm on January 2; however, a portion of the seating will be available for use during the Maclean Highland Gathering. Image: Lynne Mowbray

Showground works await reports

Geoff Helisma & Lynne Mowbray | Not much has happened on the ground since the January 2 storm severely damaged most of the buildings at the Maclean showground. Several meetings have been held to discuss how the damaged buildings might be repaired, including those that are heritage listed, and how much of the required works will be covered by insurance. However, the outcome of these discussions will be subject to reports being tabled at a future Clarence Valley Council (CVC) meeting, the council’s general manager, Ashley Lindsay, said in an emailed statement. “There are still heritage and engineering reports to be completed and we are working with the showground trust on how to get the best result from the works that need to be done,” he said. “The priority is to have the facility safe so it can be used for the highland gathering. “We have experienced a lot of vandalism, particularly in the Jim Thompson Pavilion, which hasn’t helped. “We have had a new insurance assessor appointed and the insurers have agreed to put on security to address the vandalism.” Meanwhile, Maclean-based builder, Andrew Tom, has successfully tendered for and started minor works at the showground last week. Work includes gutter and ridge capping repairs on the kiosk, Mr Tom said. Work has started on the arena fence surrounding the bottom showground ring and damage to the front fence, he said. These minor works will be completed in time for the Maclean Highland Gathering (March 30 and 31). The grandstand’s roof won’t be repaired until after Easter, however, a CVC spokesperson confirmed that part of the grandstand will be available for seating during the highland gathering.