The show committee met yesterday morning and members unanimously agreed to plan for the show accordingly.
“It was a unanimous decision,” show secretary Jan McKenna told The Free Press. “Discussion took place and we are to proceed, as long as we follow government rules later on. The show must go on!
“We’ve got five months and we decided not to pay any deposits for entertainment at this stage.”
Other shows including Rutherglen, Wangaratta and Benalla have been cancelled because of their COVID-19 concerns.
But Jan, who has been show secretary since 2004, said she before yesterday’s meeting, she was certainly optimistic the town’s very popular show would proceed.
Jan’s comments regarding this year’s show follow earlier good news that lopping or removal of seven trees at Corowa Showgrounds considered to be dangerous is to be undertaken.
Corowa Showgrounds is to receive $4,235 from the State Government for the work which has delighted show committee members.
The grant application was submitted by Corowa Race and Showgrounds Land Managers.
“We will be absolutely thrilled to receive this grant funding,” Jan said. “The trees are in various locations, all where people walk a lot,” she said.
“They pose a risk and are dangerous.”
Corowa Showgrounds is one of six showgrounds announced by Member for Albury Justin Clancy last Thursday, May 29 which will share $240,400 in funding as part of the NSW Government COVID-19 stimulus package.
Mr. Clancy said Corowa, Culcairn, Henty, Holbrook, Jingellic and Tumbarumba showgrounds will receive funding to upgrade and improve the safety, use and condition of their infrastructure and support jobs in the local economy.
“When COVID-19 hit, it forced the postponement or cancellation of agricultural shows and many activities that showgrounds rely on for their income,” Mr. Clancy said.
“This investment by the NSW Government will provide a boost for our local showgrounds and the communities they serve by supporting tradies and suppliers with work and strengthening showground infrastructure for the future.”
Upgrades announced by Mr Aplin include $180,000 for Tumbarumba Showground to install lighting around the showground oval and power infrastructure around the showground perimeter.
Jingellic Showground is to receive $31,493 to install concrete paths and vehicle access, a turf apron and erosion control at its pavilion; a 6.6KW solar panel system; and earthworks to address stormwater issues and improve drainage.
An amount of $10,811 is coming Holbrook Showground’s livestock precinct way for electrical upgrades.
An amount of $10,000 will upgrade the men’s toilet facilities at Henty Showground and $3,861 will replace guttering at Culcairn Showground.