NSW Showgrounds get funding boost

Showgrounds across NSW are set to be upgraded under the latest round of the NSW Government’s 2014/15 Public Reserve Management Fund (PRMF).

NSW Minister for Natural Resources, Land and Water Kevin Humphries has announced that the NSW Government will soon allocate more than $5 million in PRMF funding for showground maintenance and weed and pest control across the State.

Minister Humphries explained “the PRMF provides funding for improvements, maintenance and protection of Crown Land reserves in NSW, ranging from bushfire control to weed and pest management on public reserves.

“Public reserves are wonderful assets that are highly valued by local communities.

“In many cases they are vital to the success of local sports, social clubs, business and tourism.

“This is particularly true of the State’s iconic regional showgrounds, which will receive $2.4 million in this round for improvements.

“Showgrounds are the social and economic focal point of many regional communities, and this funding will allow showground trusts to carry out improvements that will increase their potential to host more events and generate more income into the local economy.”

Minister Humphries said this round of funding will also contain $1.4 million to control weeds, $600,000 for bushfire control and $262,000 for feral pest management, adding “this funding will be used to undertake valuable control programs right across NSW to help manage noxious weeds and species such as rabbits, deer, goats, foxes and cane toads.”

Applications for a second round of funding for all eligible Crown Reserves, freehold showgrounds and School of Arts halls will commence in August.

Click here for more information on the Public Reserve Management Fund.