THE site of the Riverland Field Days is expected to attract more events and visitors to the region, after receiving funding for a significant amenities upgrade.
The Riverland Events Centre, located near Barmera, received $88,000 to install a new shower block through round three of the Federal Government’s Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
Riverland Field Days executive manager Tim Grieger said the new facilities would help draw bigger events to the region, with the National Caravan Rally and National Panel Van Rally already booked for 2022.
“For the National Caravan Rally, 400 to 500 caravans will be on the site, all needing service facilities, and one of the drawbacks for those kinds of events is having to hire in amenities like shower blocks and toilet blocks,” he said.
“We’ve got adequate toilet facilities, but our shower facilities are lacking, so that would mean hiring them and they don’t always turn out the best.
“So this project will provide about 10 shower units – five each for men and women – and that will then give us the facilities to support those big events and going forward we have inquiries for more big events in the years to come.
“We’re delighted to have won this grant, and it’s a great step forward for us.”
Mr Grieger said the upgrade would provide a boost for the entire Riverland.
“It brings big events into the region, and the visitors spend money on food and fuel, and some that come along will visit tourist locations,” he said.
“The caravan rally’s whole program will focus on doing things in the region, visiting tourist sites, wineries, taking cruises and more.
“That all contributes to the economy of the region and tourism in the region, and that’s what this site will do ongoing into the future.
“When I analysed one particular year, if all the events come off, it will support the equivalent of up to 100 full-time jobs, so it is significant for the region.”
Mr Grieger said the grant would fully fund the project, with volunteer work by the Riverland Field Days Committee.
He thanked the Federal Government for its support.
“We couldn’t have done it without the funding,” he said.
“We’re coming off a struggle year due to Covid-19. We did receive a significant grant which helped us get through, but even then we still lost quite a few thousand dollars. This brings it to a complete package in terms of what we can provide to support these events that are coming.”
The 2021 Riverland Field Days will be held at the Riverland Events Centre on September 17 and 18.