Maitland Greyhounds To Benefit From Upgrade
Maitland Greyhounds and the GBOTA, could be the big benificarieas from a planned $89,000 upgrade to sthe showground site.
The State Government has announced a grant of $89,000 for upgrades to Maitland Showground this morning and the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association will match the government's grant and use the funds to relocate the show camping area, implement a water recycling project and begin electrical upgrades.
The upgrades are expected to save the association around $15,000 a year in generator-driven electricity costs, reduce mains water usage by collecting stormwater and provide for the installation of underground power in the showground's entertainment section.
Lands, rural affairs and regional development minister Tony Kelly said the NSW Government was always happy to help a dedicated group of volunteers manage public facilities.
“Maitland Showground has played a significant role in the history of Maitland from the earliest days of the town, and this funding will ensure the showground meets the needs of the Maitland district well in to the future,” Mr Kelly said.
Maitland MP Frank Terenzini said the upgrades would boost the relevance of an already important community asset.
“Maitland Showground has long-standing links with the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association, which I understand is the oldest continuing regional agricultural association on the Australian mainland, dating back to 1859.”
“The showground serves a number of groups in and around Maitland – from the trots and greyhound racing to campdrafting and exhibitions, as well as regular markets and caravan conventions.”