The Lismore and Nimbin Showgrounds have been granted another lot of money to keep updating their facilities from Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin.

Lismore Showgrounds received $125,000 to finish off stage two of the electrical work needed to replace the old 1950's/60's meter boards. North Coast National Secretary Mark Bailey said "this will give campers and other users substantially better facilities at the showground"

The Nimbin Showgrounds will use their $25,000 will be used to tile an amenities block with President Phil Williams saying "we've had problems with this block for a number of years and this will allow us to tile the shower and toilet area making it easier to clean".

This new grant is on top of the April 29 grant of $445,000 allocated to each showground when Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan presented Lismore City Council with $1.3 million for the Bushfire Recovery grant.

The Lismore Showground upgrade list includes:

• Repairs to ventilation and insulation in top 2 pavilions.
• Fit-out of Flood Free Kitchen adjacent to top pavilions
• Provision of movable and demountable fencing for animals including off load ramps and gates
• Upgrade of 1905 beef/dairy sheds and 1930’s horse stables

While the $445,000 upgrade of the Nimbin Showground includes:

• New awning and concrete slab adjoining main pavilion
• Enclose existing large shelter and install roller doors
• New awning and concrete slab to existing storage sheds
• Rebuild holding yards and shelter for cattle/horses
• New kitchen in the main pavilion
• New floor coverings to area in main pavilion

So, when we can have major events at our showgrounds once again, the facilities will be much improved from their current state.

When asked if work has started on the improvements both showgrounds said the money has not been received as yet and with the Nimbin Show potentially on in its traditional September slot, work would need to start soon. Although, no decision has been made to hold or cancel the 2020 Nimbin Show.