THE number of campers at Albury's showground is expected to rocket off the back of a $596,000 upgrade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The cash is from the NSW government and part of COVID-19 stimulus spending which also includes $1.2 million announced yesterday for 20 schools across the Albury electorate.
Showgrounds administrative team member Henk van de Ven said there had been a cap on those staying at the site in recent times because of limited facilities.
Constructing new male, female and unisex toilets and shower block and converting the existing ablutions building to a laundry would mean state government mandated requirements would be met.
"Our plans are to have up to about 80 defined camping areas with their own power and water, so if we were to fill those, if there were full occupancy, you may be generating $1600 a night," Mr van de Ven said.
Now the ground manager draws $1500 per week from primitive camping, which is its biggest income stream.
Mr van de Ven said the boost would also provide more income for the city with campers having lauded it as a "great facility" and "well looked after".
IN OTHER NEWS:
The improvements will be staged and it is hoped they will be done by June 30, 2022.
Other showgrounds to benefit from grants were at Henty ($450,000 for female and disabled toilets), Walbundrie ($53,900 for concrete pathways) and Holbrook ($43,790 to buy steel sheepyard panels and stackable storage bins).
Each of the school projects will have P&C contributions as well as Department of Education cash.
The dearest work is at Lavington's Murray High School where three sets of toilets will be revamped at a cost of $250,000 with equal internal and external funding.
Other big works include the relocation of the front entrance and office at Lavington Public School ($200,000 with $140,000 from the government) and erection of 100 metres of covered walkway at Albury North Public School ($175,000 with $105,000 from the government).
At Albury Public School $105,000 from the department will be added to $70,000 from the school for replacement of asphalt and a new games area which will include two synthetic basketball and netball courts.
Principal Lianne Singleton said the work would allow for more structured activities during play breaks.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said the spending was designed to benefit the construction industry as well as showgrounds and schools as it looked to gear up in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
"These are both part of COVID stimulus by the NSW government, looking to support local economies but at the same time aiming to fast track shovel-ready projects," Mr Clancy said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @bordermail
- Follow us on Instagram @bordermail
- Follow us on Google News