Gympie’s growth in the spotlight at Showgrounds

The spotlight is on Gympie’s future growth, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing a $51,622 grant for additional lighting at Gympie Showgrounds today.

“This funding will contribute towards an extra 40 lights to be added to the existing light fittings, which will bring the main arena lighting to a national standard to hold Australian championships for events such as show jumping and barrel racing,” Mr O’Brien said.

“These events draw hundreds of competitors and significant crowds, so there will be an ongoing benefit to tourism, hospitality and accommodation providers as more people are attracted to the Gympie region.

“The new lighting system will also increase the scope for large-scale events like the popular rodeos and other entertainment, complementing the Showgrounds facilities and ensuring it remains a fantastic venue for decades to come.

“This funding helps to support the work of the Gympie District Show Society with a grant of $51,622 through Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund towards their $103,244 Stage 2 lighting upgrade project.

Mr O’Brien said the new works would build on the $183,885 Stage 1 lighting upgrade, which received a $91,185 grant through Round 3 of the Building Better Regions Fund and included the installation of four light pole foundations and cages, headframes, light fittings and control panels.

“I congratulate the Gympie District Show Society on the success of their application and join with them in looking forward to the benefits it will bring to the community and our local economy.”

Gympie Show Society’s Chief Ring Steward John Warren said the additional lights would provide a huge benefit to the local community.

“It’s just brilliant to be able to light up the ring properly for showjumping and horse events at night, and it means we can host a broader range of entertainment, opening up the venue for hire by other organisations,” Mr Warren said.

“State and National championships for equine events attract hundreds of competitors, their families and support crews.

“They can be here for a week or more to explore the region so it’s good for the whole region, not just Gympie, but Maryborough, the Cooloola Coast and the Mary Valley as well.”

Under Round 5 of the BBRF, the Government has committed almost $300 million to support 295 projects across regional Australia, which will create an estimated 9,900 jobs during the project period.

This latest funding round takes total support through the BBRF to $1.38 billion across nearly 1,300 projects.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is focused on ensuring our regions remain strong.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to work hard on behalf of Australians living in regional and remote communities,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why we’ve committed an additional $100 million under this latest round to take total funding to almost $300 million. This extra funding will support more projects, more jobs and create more economic opportunities in our regions to boost their recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Funding for these projects in Wide Bay is a testament to the dedication of Llew O’Brien.

“Funding under the Building Better Regions Fund supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities.

“Infrastructure upgrades funded in this latest round will ensure our regions remain great places to live and visit, while helping support important regional industries which create jobs.

“Our Government is committed to delivering the best outcomes for regional and remote Australia, which is why we are providing local businesses, industries and families with opportunities to get ahead.”

For a full list of successful projects in Round 5, please visit: www.business.gov.au/bbrf