The Showground Must Go On for Tumbarumba
Published on 08 March 2019
Representatives from Tumbarumba Showground user groups recently met with Council’s project managers and agreed to move forward quickly on the planned major redevelopment of the facility.
Ten representatives from Tumbarumba Rodeo, Zone 20 Pony Club, Tumbarumba PA&H Society, Tumbarumba Batlow Rugby League Football Club and Tumbarumba Batlow Minor League were invited to view the concept plan for the proposed upgrade of the Tumbarumba Showground playing surface, irrigation and facilities.
Many cold and wet winters have left the showground in a poor state, with frequent waterlogging creating a patchy and uneven playing surface. Groundworks will include removal of the existing playing surface and relevelling and reconfiguring of the rugby oval to incorporate a rodeo arena. Drainage and an automatic irrigation system will be installed before final turf sprigging commences and the showground is returned to its former glory.
Council’s Director of Assets and Infrastructure Matthew Christensen said while there will never be a convenient time to upgrade the Showground, user groups are supportive and keen for the construction to get underway in the week commencing 18th March 2019.
“Groundworks will take six months to complete, so we are keen to start now while we have a contractor available to do the work. We experienced some delays on the Tumbarumba Sportsground resurfacing due to extreme weather, so with winter approaching we want to get as much as we can done before the worst of the cold weather. Shortly after the Tumbarumba Show wraps up, we will have machines on the ground..
“The upgraded surfaces will allow for more use of the showground and improved player safety. The new amenity building being installed outside the pavilion will provide more male and female toilets for major events and the additional two change rooms will have capacity to support camp drafts and home and away teams for football games,” Mr Christensen said.
Funding of $1 million was allocated for the Tumbarumba Showground upgrade as part of the NSW Government’s Major Projects Infrastructure Fund. The project is due for completion by 31st December 2019.
A concept plan demonstrating the proposed upgrade is attached for reference. Please note that the finished ground levels are not yet finalised.