Murray River Council initially received $40,000 under the state government’s Showground Stimulus Funding Program for a range of upgrade works around the oval.
Another $203,000 was granted through the state government’s COVID-19 stimulus package.
Mayor Chris Bilkey said these will be welcome improvements for recreation reserve users and the Wakool community as a whole.
‘‘The funding will now enable us to deliver vital improvements, most of which have been identified by the community themselves,’’ he said.
‘‘The recreation reserve is the focal point for community activity and events in Wakool, so it’s vital that we continue to invest in maintaining these assets well into the future.’’
The COVID-19 stimulus funding aims to improve the safety, use and condition of infrastructure and support jobs in the local economy.
Upgrades as part of this funding will include the purchase and installation of solar lighting, upgrades to the showground entrance, bowling green lighting, oval irrigation and main pavilion amenities.
One of the standout improvements utilising the other funding stream is the installation of an RV dump point.
It will improve the flexibility of the showground space and increase the opportunity for it to be used for other events.
This dump point will be complemented by RV friendly signage in the town’s centre, and at the entrance to the showground, in an effort to entice overnight visitors.
Other works include replacing the existing equipment storage shed, upgrading the existing powerheads and re-marking the existing synthetic netball courts to provide more flexibility in their use, including tennis.
‘‘When COVID-19 hit, it forced the postponement or cancellation of agricultural shows and many activities that showgrounds rely on for their income,’’ NSW Nationals Duty Member of the Legislative Council for Murray Wes Fang said.
‘‘This investment by the New South Wales Government is providing a boost for local showgrounds and the communities they serve by supporting tradies and suppliers with work and strengthening showground infrastructure for the future.’’
The Wakool Showgrounds upgrades are expected to be complete by October this year.