Future upgrades to Bendigo Showgrounds has received support from both major parties.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson and Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters say a precinct upgrade would provide an economic boost to Bendigo.
"The showgrounds upgrade would provide significant benefits to the local and regional economy," Ms Henderson said.
Ms Chesters said any upgrades would be the perfect post coronavirus economic stimulus for Bendigo.
"They would assist in securing large scale events, which would boost tourism and the wider Bendigo economy," Ms Chesters said.
The Bendigo MP has called on the Federal Government to give central Victoria its fair share.
"It's almost 12 months since the election and the government has failed to commit any new infrastructure funding to this electorate," Ms Chesters said.
Ms Henderson says the government is committed to regional communities.
"Bendigo is benefiting from more than $560 million in federal funding for land, transport and community infrastructure projects, including the upgrade of the Calder Highway," Ms Henderson said.
Bendigo Agricultural Show Society executive officer Ian Furze is hopeful the 2020 show will go ahead.
The show is slated for October 23 and 24.
"We hope there is a chance for the show to still take place," Mr Furze said.
Mr Furze says the society's master plan forecasts up to $20 million is required to upgrade the showgrounds.
"Major works to the market precinct include painting, flooring, climate control and an upgrade of the arena to cater for sports," he said.
Mr Furze is hopeful that funding for an upgrade to the North Bendigo site will remain on the government's radar.
"The government has put money into stimulus packages and supporting people to get through this period so the concern is about what funds will be left," he said.
