THE Maleny Showground has received a $1.4 million upgrade to infrastructure and facilities to cater for crowds expected to flock to the show this year. Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the renewed facilities meant the showground could continue to cater for crowd-favourite events.
“Usually the smells, sounds and sights of country life are the main attractions when you enter the gates but I think our facility upgrades won’t go unnoticed this year,” Mr Jamieson said.
“For 84 years, patrons have been rolling through the Maleny Showground gates to celebrate and come together as a community at the show.
“Our council has contributed nearly $400,000 to this upgrade in partnership with contributions from the federal government, Queensland Government and Maleny Show Society, which I think the community will warmly welcome.
“To make it easier for vehicles to access the showground, council has upgraded the gravel roads around the two main fields to asphalt and constructed an exit road from the grounds to ease congestion.
“The pavilion, which caters for many trade shows, has been fitted out with solar panels producing an estimated 157,352kWh – that’s equivalent to powering more than 320 medium-sized household fridges for a year,” Mr Jamieson said.
Patrons will also notice the reconstructed amenities building behind the secretary’s office, which includes unisex toilets and basins, a change room and cubicle, and an all-abilities cubicle and shower.
A pathway has also been installed from the amenities block to the disability parking space and a further two concrete car parks.
The federal government provided $534,722 and the Maleny Show Society $325,000 of its funds for these projects.
These contributions supported the upgrade to the amenities and delivered the extension of the secretary’s office and construction of a large storage facility.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said he was heartened to see the Maleny Show prospering through the adversity of COVID and the associated economic hardships.
“Country shows are important lynch pins for country towns and everyone in the community thrives off the back of those shows,” Mr Littleproud said.
Division 5 councillor and Maleny Show Society president Winston Johnston said it was exciting to see the upgrades delivered in time for this year’s show.
“We are expecting a crowd of more than 6,000 to support our local traders and to revel in this year’s new attractions,” Cr Johnston said.
“I would also like to acknowledge that agricultural shows such as Maleny’s would not be successful without the tireless work of local volunteers who provide so much of their time to make the show a success for all who visit and compete.”
The Maleny Show is on Friday-Saturday, May 28-29. Tickets to the show start from $5 for children and $15 for adults. Go to https://malenyshowsociety.org.au/2021-show/ to purchase your tickets.
Photo: Back: Member for Glasshouse, Andrew Powell with the Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace. Front: Maleny Show Society President Cr Winston Johnston with Mayor of Sunshine Coast Council Mark Jamieson