Blayney show managed to get their 2020 show in just before the COVID-19 lockdown came into force, but strict social distancing rules may well see no agricultural shows in the central west happening for the rest of this year, but at least there is one benefit to come from it.
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Member for Bathurst Paul Toole has announced that over $1.832 million has been allocated to local showgrounds as part of a NSW government COVID-19 stimulus package.
In the Blayney shire Neville, Blayney and Carcoar showgrounds will receive a total of $212,919 with each of the showgrounds having distinctive plans for their funds.
Blayney showground will be receiving the lion's share with $122,784 for new boundary fencing and signage as well as the provision of parking in the overnight area for livestock transport vehicles.
This comes on top of the recently announced $95,040 for roadworks at Blayney showground.
The funds will see a new archway over the showground entry, as well as new perimeter fencing.
"These upgrades will improve the safety, use and condition of showground infrastructure for future generations," Mr Toole said.
Those bringing livestock vehicles to the showground will soon have a sturdy platform on which to park thanks to a new overnight area for livestock transport vehicles.
President of the Carcoar Show Society Mark Richardson said that the shearing boards and sheds would be made safer.
"We're going to fix up the shearing board right through to the holding pens and the prime lamb section as well which will be replaced with new galvanised pens," he said.
"There are a few steel posts that will be removed and making it a much safer workplace for future events."
President of the Neville Show Society Kevin Radburn expanded on how projects such as the new play area at the showground that they received funding for would benefit the town throughout the year, not just for the show.
Neville's planned future events are based around equestrian events that complement the new centre in Blayney.
"This will work in conjunction with the horse arena and we're hoping that if you build it, they will come," he said.
"We're going to try and develop the showground as a drawcard for Neville along with the hard court being built at the start of next year.
"Facilities like this are not just for the residents of Neville they're there so that visitors may think about how good it would be to live in a place like Neville with their families."
Neville show also recently received $2000 for repairs to the its tea rooms.