Plenty to show for Cobargo thanks to Crown Lands

The tiny town of Cobargo in the Bega Valley Shire is reaping the benefits of a major showground upgrade courtesy of a $350,000 grant from the NSW Government.

Funded by Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, through a Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) grant, the upgrade has helped drive a 20 per cent increase in use of the showground and has strengthened the site’s role as a cornerstone of vibrant community life in the far south coast village.

The CRIF grant enabled construction of a new, fully accessible amenities block and stormwater drainage system, the installation of a large rainwater tank, new paving, concrete stairs, handrails and other improvements that created a safer, more comfortable and accessible venue.

Works were completed just in time for the 126th Cobargo Show, a significant 3-day event for the entire district featuring everything from rodeos and showjumping to bike stunts and wood chopping. The famous Cobargo Folk Festival followed shortly after. With organisers now able to offer a much more accessible venue, this year’s festival has just been declared their best ever, with 21% increase in attendance, resulting in an aggregate of 9,000 visitors over the weekend and generating an estimated $2 million for the local economy.

The showground has been used year-round for sporting, recreational, cultural and youth events and activities as well as serving as an emergency centre during natural disasters. Thanks to the upgrade, the venue is now also suitable for weddings, receptions and other events, generating income for site maintenance with flow-on benefits to the local economy. Cobargo showground land manager Greg Holland said the upgrades are associated with a 20 per cent increase in bookings compared to the previous year.

The works represent the final pieces in a long-term program to upgrade the main precinct at the venue. Alongside substantial contributions from a dedicated group of local community members who volunteer their time to keep the showground running, as well as the Show and Folk Festival organisers, Crown Lands has provided nearly $865,000 in grants to maintain and improve the venue since 2014. This includes $350,000 for the community facility, $41,000 to build a roof over the seating area, $39,700 to upgrade electrical infrastructure, $22,200 for event safety works and $15,000 for a multi-use metal-clad shed.

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) supports Crown land managers by providing funding for repairs, maintenance and improvements to Crown reserves. These investments benefit local communities, contribute to the state’s cultural, sporting and recreational life and support regional economies.

Yuin Folk Club Director, Zena Armstrong said:

“These improvements have made these 2 major south coast events much more sustainable. At a time when so many festivals are falling by the wayside, ours is going from strength to strength. Having a beautiful place like the showground, which we use to its full advantage, makes a huge difference.

“The importance of the showground is the real contribution it makes to the community. It brings people together. We come together to celebrate the good times and, as we saw with the fires, to support each other through difficult times. So it’s important that what we do at the showground reflects all those values. I think everyone recognises what a tremendous community asset we have here. It’s symbolic of the Cobargo community pride.”

Cobargo showground land manager, Greg Holland said:

“We are very community minded here in Cobargo, and this has been about getting together to achieve a common goal. This is not just about providing a space that’s being used once or twice a year. It’s about creating a better facility for the reserve, and a lasting asset for the whole community.

“The new amenities block has made a real difference for people attending the show and the folk festival, and the upgraded pathways and grounds make the venue safer and more accessible for everyone. The Cobargo Showground is going to be a safe, active and vibrant community resource for years to come.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“The Cobargo showground has long been a heart of the community – a place that brings people together for celebrations, events and support in difficult times.

“This $350,000 NSW Government investment has helped make the site safe, more accessible, and more inviting for all, while boosting local tourism and community participation.

“With events like the Cobargo Show and Folk Festival drawing thousands of visitors and supporting the local economy, it’s fantastic to see the showground continuing to thrive as a vibrant hub for Cobargo and the broader Bega Valley.”