Bungendore Showground receives further funding to upgrade facilities

Member for Monaro John Barilaro (centre) with Bungendore Showground Trust president Paul Darmody (left) and treasurer Michael Blore. Photo: Supplied.

Bungendore Showground has received an additional $88,155 to improve facilities under phase two of the NSW Government’s Showground Stimulus Funding Program.

Member for Monaro John Barilaro visited the showground to announce the funding, which will be used to upgrade the site’s septic tanks.

“Drought, bushfires and COVID-19 have all had a huge impact on our region and for our showgrounds that has meant agricultural shows having to be cancelled and the grounds being closed to visitors with holidays being put on hold,” said Mr Barilaro.

“In fact, Bungendore had been gearing up to host its annual show this month, however the community will now have to wait another 12 months due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“While we wait patiently for our agricultural shows to feature on our calendars again, this package will deliver better facilities and stronger infrastructure that will benefit our community for years to come. These upgrades will also benefit our local economy by creating jobs in the region.”

The funding is in addition to $49,622 granted to the Bungendore Racecourse and Showground Trust earlier in 2020 for a complete renovation of its disabled toilet and shower facilities, and upgrades of fencing around the grounds.

President of the Bungendore Showground Trust, Paul Darmody, thanked Mr Barilaro and the NSW Government for the support and said the upgrades will be very welcome by showground users.

“Bungendore Showground is booked out almost every weekend of the year with events including the Bungendore Show, local equestrian groups and sheepdog trials,” said Mr Darmody.

“With the recent improvement of facilities during the years, the showgrounds are becoming increasingly popular for campers. The current septic system is just not up to scratch. This additional funding will mean we can upgrade the system to cater for increased demand.

“Without the support of John Barilaro and his team we wouldn’t be able to improve our facilities to benefit and drive the tourism of our community. The Bungendore Showground is a great asset for the town and this is thanks to John.”