New upgrades to Gresford Showground are set to attract more campers to Dungog and surrounding regions as an ideal tourist destination.
For nearly a century, the site’s provided an ample location for a variety of events, festivities and holidaymaking.
Now, the beloved showground has unveiled enhancements to its camping facilities, catering for a recent influx in visitors.
A total of $500,000 was pumped into the locale, provided by Crown Land’s Crown Reserves Improvements Fund (CRIF) and Dungog Regional Tourism.
The upgrades include the refurbishment of its amenities block, including the construction of new showers, toilets and laundry facilities for travellers.
An additional $157,080 was provided via the CRIF program for the renovation of the showground’s kitchen, including air-conditioning, tables and chairs.
The scale of the upgrades have since turned the site into the town’s official emergency assembly point.
The facilities will now cater for a recent increase of visitors to the showground, located on the banks of the Allyn River.
Gresford Recreation Area and Showground Crown Land board member Robert Richardson said the community was grateful for the investment.
“We have been very fortunate to receive over half-million dollars in grants from the NSW Government which has helped us expand and grow our showground, especially increased capacity for camping,” he stated.
“Gresford is a beautiful area and we find we are often booked out on weekends.
“So, the more capacity we have, the more people can enjoy the area, including going out on a canoe or going for a dip in the Allyn River.
“The new amenities and laundry will be a big drawcard for grey nomads and others travelling through the region.
“We are thrilled with the upgrades which will put more money in our coffers that can be put back into improving and maintaining the showground facilities.”
The site now hosts an additional 34 powered camping sites and six unpowered, providing visitors with a base to explore the Hunter region.
Extra funding has been allocated for repairs, maintenance and improvements, as well.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the upgrades would potentially boost the local economy.
“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities, and we are thrilled to support regional showgrounds like Gresford,” he explained.
“Showgrounds are a vital resource for regional communities hosting everything from agricultural shows to farmers markets, music festivals and school career days.”
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