Wednesday, 14 October 2020
STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin last week visited Lismore Showground to inspect how a $125,000 Showground Stimulus Funding grant from the NSW Government had powered up the facility.
Ms Saffin thanked Lismore Show Society President John Gibson and Secretary-Manager Mark Bailey for showing her how 20 antiquated power boards had been replaced by new ones, increasingly reliability and safety.
“John and Mark are very happy with how this project has rolled out after their application was successful under Phase 1 of the Showground Stimulus Funding Program, one which I have heavily supported,” Ms Saffin said.
Ms Saffin said she was looking forward to what should be an imminent announcement of successful, larger Phase 2 projects and hoped that local showgrounds in the Electorate of Lismore would be among the beneficiaries.
“The $25-million program, rolling out over two financial years, is aimed at getting money ‘out the door’ for long-overdue showground maintenance and improvements, simultaneously keeping local tradespeople in work,” Ms Saffin said.
“Showgrounds are central meeting places for local communities and they host events that showcase the best and brightest of our talents and goods and wares.
“I recently attended the Lismore Carboot Market at the Lismore Showground and was greatly impressed by the new COVID-safe venue.”
Ms Saffin also visited Kyogle Showground to see how a $110,000 Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 3 grant is being used to upgrade amenities, including their new main unisex/accessible toilets and showers.
“I thank Kyogle Showground Trust President Paul Anderson and Vice-President Kevin Donaghy for showing me another well executed project which will benefit all who use the showground,” Ms Saffin said.
POWER BOOST: Lismore Show Society Secretary-Manager Mark Bailey, Show Society President John Gibson and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin inspect one of the power boards.
