Residents in Borroloola have notched up a show time win before the fun of sideshow alley has even arrived in the remote Gulf of Carpentaria town thanks to a legacy infrastructure upgrade at the venue that hosts the annual event.
Ahead of the 2017 Borroloola Show – which will run from June 30 until July 1 – Roper Gulf Regional Council has replaced the toilet block at the community’s showground as part of an upgrade project funded by the Borroloola Local Authority.
Director of Council and Community Services Sharon Hillen explained that replacing ageing infrastructure had been identified by the Local Authority as a town priority, and that Council staff had worked fast to ensure the new toilet block was operational before gates opened on Borroloola’s biggest event.
“Council owns and operates the Borroloola and Gulf District Sports Ground that hosts the annual Borroloola Show, and with the Local Authority, recognised that much of the legacy infrastructure in place was nearing end-of-life and in need of upgrading to meet the demand of facility users as the town goes through a growth phase,” she said.
“To achieve this, more than $100,000 is being allocated to the sports ground.
“The show is an extremely important social and economic event for the community and surrounding district, so Council is working closely with the Local Authority and other stakeholders to make sure older infrastructure is upgraded or replaced as the needs and expectations of the community evolve.”
In an additional boost for the town, the Council has utilised its strong working relationship with the Northern Territory Government to identify a funding opportunity the Borroloola and District Show Society (BDSS) will use to upgrade legacy buildings at the venue.
The $25,000 grant will allow show organisers to install more lighting and electrical outlets, as well as improve stormwater flow and enclose the main shed.
BDSS Vice-President Trish Elmy praised the Council and NT Government for their commitment to providing Borroloola residents with ever-improving facilities at the showground.
“The show brings everyone from around the region into town, so it’s crucial that infrastructure at the showground continues to be upgraded, especially the older items,” she said.
“The show society will use local contractors for the upgrades to the buildings, and that work will add to the improvements the Council has already made with the new toilet block.”
Mrs Hillen said the Council looked forward to an ongoing partnership with the show society and congratulated committee members on their long-term vision for the Borroloola Show.
“Council is happy to support the show society’s self-determination and direction for the event, and strives to foster strong support and advocacy roles to volunteer organisations who contribute community benefit to towns in the Roper Gulf region,” she said.
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For further information, please contact the Communications Coordinator on 0427 674 212 or at roper.governance@ropergulf.nt.gov.au.