Hamilton Showgrounds redevelopment
Hamilton Showgrounds received an extensive upgrade with the help of an $800,000 RDV Infrastructure Development Fund grant.
The $1.4 million redevelopment will help the showgrounds build on the success 'Hamilton Sheepvention', which attracts 25,000 visitors and boosts the local economy by $5 million and its other major event, Beef Expo. Attracting other major events and regional conferences will strengthen Hamilton's regional events credentials and attract more visitors to the town and region.
The project involves:
- a new roof on the sheep pavilion;
- a new Multi-purpose space/exhibition building, including commercial kitchen and essential electrical fit-out for uses, including conference and trade shows;
- new services and utilities, including energy efficient and water saving infrastructure; and
- a new façade, landscaping and toilets for the showgrounds site.
Providing a range of facilities and multi-purpose building will help Southern Grampians Shire Council and the Hamilton Pastoral & Agricultural Society in seeking new events with the potential of new investment especially in the hospitality sector.
The showgrounds also provide social benefits to the community and accommodate a broad range of community groups such as the gymnastics club, the SES, numerous sports associations and smaller organisations such as the dart club and brass band.
Showgrounds and field days provide important social and network opportunities for the agricultural sector and are an integral part of the agricultural calendar.
These events provide several benefits to the agricultural sector in terms of opportunities to exhibit, educate, and identify new opportunities to improve farm production and methods, diversify and/or create new businesses.
