THE Loxton Agricultural and Horticultural Society (LAHS) is set to update its facilities after receiving a $64,000 grant from the Federal Government.
Regional agricultural show societies across the country will share in $20 million worth of grants to renew and reinvigorate show grounds through the government’s development grant program.
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the grants would serve as a much needed cash injection in the wake of the bushfires and COVID-19.
“Agricultural shows are a major drawcard for our regional towns, many of which have had to cancel events this year due to COVID-19,” he said.
“These grants will help show societies refurbish their show grounds and facilities, so that when their next event rolls around, it will be even more attractive to show goers.”
The Loxton grant will go towards upgrading and renovating four displays and storage sheds at the Loxton Recreation Centre, which LAHS president Bill Shannon said needed some upkeep.
“They were built by volunteer show members years ago, and a lot of the materials were second hand at the time,” he said.
“Over the years, we’ve put up with that and it’s been very substantial up until now, but last year we had our old show hall dismantled and the new stadium was being built, so we had to utilise some of our old sheds or pavilions.
“Last year they did very well, but we noticed they needed a bit of upkeep and some new corrugated iron on a number of the sheds.”
Mr Shannon said the grant would fund three quarters of the project, with the society contributing the rest, to ensure the facilities were secure for patrons and could be used well into the future.
“We hope to hold some exhibits in the (sheds) that normally would be housed for animals,” he said.
“So one of the sheds we’re probably going to do the sides as well as the roof, and a couple of others we will just do the roofs (due to some leaks).
“The security of knowing that whatever we’re going to have in them is going to be safe and sound, and ensure their use for the future.”
Mr Littleproud said agriculture shows were the heart and soul of regional communities, and upgrading their facilities meant more visitors could enjoy them.
“They bring and keep communities together, link the country to the city and provide a key boost to these local economies,” he said.
“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to these regional events, more local employment, and more tills ringing in local businesses.”
Mr Shannon said the LAHS had until the end of June 2021 – the next financial year – to get the project underway.