Facilities at both Lismore and Nimbin showgrounds will get an upgrade from Lismore City Council’s $1.3 million Federal Government Bushfire recovery grant. Each showground will be given $445,000 to upgrade their facilities.

At a press conference at the Lismore showgrounds today Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the projects were great news for the Lismore and Nimbin communities.

“As we saw in the recent bushfires both showgrounds played an important role in providing accommodation to those who were forced to flee their homes. I would like to thank both the Lismore and Nimbin Showground committees for opening up these facilities during the emergency,” he said.

North Coast National and the Nimbin A&I Society were thanked by Deputy Mayor Darlene Cook for their work during last years bushfires. "The amount of work that both society's did at that time was unprecedented", Councillor Cook said. "Within a matter of days they had complete a complete evacuation centre running like power for tents, services and meals being provided", she added.

Cnr Cook also thanked local businesses in Lismore and Nimbin that helped the many people and families and in need at that time.

John Gibson, President of the Lismore Showground praised the efforts of the volunteers and staff of the Lismore Show Society.  “Our Secretary was quick off the mark to open the gates

and put the call out to the local community that we were open and ready to assist not only people but also importantly animals in escaping the devastating fires.”

These comments were supported by Phil Williams, President of the Nimbin Showground.  

“Showgrounds are always where the community comes together and nowhere was this more evident than the Nimbin Showground in November when hundreds and locals and

their pets and animals sought refuge” Mr Williams added.

So, where will the $445,000 be spent at each venue?

Among other things, the $445,000 upgrade of the Lismore Showground 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

(the sheds in line for an upgrade at the Lismore Showgrounds)

This is the first grant received by the Nimbin A&I society in 20 years.

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

A further $240,000 of the grant funding will be invested in constructing turning circles for emergency vehicles on strategic roads in Nimbin, $160,000 to increase water supply capacity during bushfires by placing tanks in strategic locations and $10,000 to improve technology at the Rural Fire Service’s headquarters. The details of these Nimbin-based projects will be finalised following consultation with the Rural Fire Service and the Nimbin community.          

When asked if the grant funds are available now, Kevin Hogan replied "yes". Councillor Cook said that the Lismore City Council has already approved the distribution of the money, "it is just a matter of signing off on which projects are agreed to between council, public works and the A&I societies" she said.

There is no timeline in place but the words were "as soon as possible".