Bingara Showground shows off new upgrades

Bingara Showground will host community events for many years to come with the completion of NSW Government upgrades totalling almost half a million dollars.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said $490,877 in improvements have been delivered under the Crown Lands Showground Stimulus Funding program.

“Bingara Showground is central to community life and the completion of these substantial upgrades will ensure it serves the region for generations,” Mr Kamper said.

“The North West region deserves quality facilities and these investments will allow Bingara Showground to cater for many community activities and groups.”

NSW Government investments in the showground now completed include:

• $227,800 in new LED flood lighting for the showring.
• $152,300 extension and refurbishment of the amenity building.
• $85,400 refurbishment of the grandstand and removal of asbestos.

These followed upgrades completed in 2020 and 2021 including:

• A new awning over the coolroom at the polocrosse canteen.
• New LED lights and energy efficient lighting in the main pavilion.
• Lighting and power points in the general purpose shed.
• Replacement of cladding and a stable gate in the showground building.
• Cool room repairs including installation of a new coolroom motor.

Gwydir Shire Council Utilities Manager Andrew Cooper said the showground improvements were supporting five separate community user groups as well as a range of events.

“These upgrades have made Bingara Showground a great facility for groups including the show society, jockey club, pony club, campdraft committee and polo cross which are all active,”  Mr  Cooper said.

“The showground is also getting used for more and more events. For example, we hosted cattle dog working trials recently that attracted interstate competitors and last year we hosted a motorhomes rally that attract about 700 motorhomes.”

Mr Kamper said showgrounds are vital for rural communities, hosting everything from agricultural shows to farmers markets, music festivals and sports clubs.

“They also provide vital shelter during bushfires and floods and relief posts for emergency workers, so it is good to invest in them and their communities,” Mr Kamper said.