Members of the Parkes Showground Land Manager committee with Mayor Ken Keith (3rd left), Sam Farraway MLC (4th left) and Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson (right) at the announcement of additional funding last Thursday.
Additional funding of over $2 million announced last week will ensure the new pavilion at the Parkes Showgrounds will be constructed after a massive escalation in building costs hampered the realisation of the project.
The additional funding from the NSW Government’s Crown Lands Improvement Fund would ensure the completion of the new pavilion along with key fire safety upgrades.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said: “Of the $2.1 million, $1.78 million is being allocated to the next stages of the new pavilion that is being constructed at Parkes Showground as well as a further $382,000 for fire safety upgrades to benefit other buildings.”
“The additional funding will ensure the showground plays a central role within the community by hosting the annual show and events like the Parkes Elvis Festival, farmers’ markets and supporting emergency evacuations if needed.”
Sam Farraway MLC said the NSW Government’s showground stimulus funding had supported a complete overhaul of the Parkes Showground.
“Showgrounds are the heart of local communities, they are where we come together to showcase and celebrate the local region and through the Crown Reserves Improvement fund Parkes Showground has received a complete overhaul,” he said.
“This funding is also supporting the upgrades to the heritage-listed grandstand including its roof, floor, drainage, subfloor ventilation, masonry walls, and timber columns and balustrades along with improvements to lighting and additional power points for camping and stall holders.”
The Parkes Showground Land Manager received a grant of $4,046,020 from the COVID-19 showground stimulus program in August last year to realise its dream of a new pavilion. The escalation of building costs during the pandemic meant the initial grant was not enough to complete the new pavilion.
Sam and Kevin were in Parkes last week during the Elvis Festival to make the announcement, and attended the official opening of the event on Saturday in Cooke Park.