Upgraded campsites make Gresford Showground an enticing spot for holidaymakers

Campers wishing to explore the Dungog and surrounding regions will have ample opportunity after Gresford Showground in the state's Hunter region completed significant upgrades to its camping facilities.

Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, provided $354,337 via its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) to help Gresford Showground upgrade and refurbish its amenities block including constructing new showers, upgrading its toilets and providing an accessible toilet and new laundry facilities for travellers. Dungog Regional Tourism also contributed $162,617 to the project for a total investment of $516,954.

Crown Lands also contributed $157,080 via its CRIF program to upgrade the showground's kitchen, including new air-conditioning, tables and chairs. Thanks to recent improvements to the kitchen and the campsite, the showground now also serves as the town's official emergency assembly point.

Gresford Showground is at the heart of the local community since 1927 and provides a thriving space for a variety of events such as agricultural shows and rodeos, gymkhanas, pony clubs and learn-to-swim lessons in the Allyn River. The showground also hosts motorbike carnivals, mud runs and cattle sales.

The new facilities will cater for an increased number of visitors to the picturesque showground on the banks of the Allyn River. Better amenities and expanded campgrounds will allow Gresford Showground to go from strength-to-strength, including hosting weddings and other private events.

There are now 34 powered sites and 6 unpowered sites at the expanded campgrounds to provide visitors with a base to explore the Hunter region.

CRIF supports Crown Land Managers by providing funding for repairs, maintenance and improvements to Crown reserves to benefit communities, boost local economies and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW.

Gresford Recreation Area and Showground Crown Land board member Robert Richardson said:

"We have been very fortunate to receive over half-million dollars in grants from the NSW Government which has helped us expand and grow our showground, especially increased capacity for camping. Gresford is a beautiful area and we find we are often booked out on weekends so the more capacity we have the more people can enjoy the area, including going out on a canoe or going for a dip in the Allyn River.

"The new amenities and laundry will be a big drawcard for grey nomads and others travelling through the region. We are thrilled with the upgrades which will put more money in our coffers that can be put back into improving and maintaining the showground facilities."

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

"The NSW Government is focused on building better communities, and we are thrilled to support regional showgrounds like Gresford.

"Showgrounds are a vital resource for regional communities hosting everything from agricultural shows to farmers markets, music festivals and school career days."