Council Supports Permanent Infrastructure at Hamilton Showgrounds
Published on 10 May 2024
Southern Grampians Shire Council resolved at Wednesday night’s ordinary Council meeting to loan the Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society (P&A Society) $800,000 for the construction of permanent shedding at the Hamilton Showgrounds.
Construction of a 45m x 55m x 6.6m shed, located on the long-term Council managed site, will reduce increasing hire costs for large scale events.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor David Robertson said the construction of a permanent building will ensure the sustainability of large-scale events at the Showgrounds into the future.
“The Hamilton Showgrounds hosts a variety of community events including the largest agricultural show in the region, Sheepvention,” said Cr Robertson.
“The costs for marquee hire for this single use event have increased dramatically, up from $180,000 in 2018 to $410,000 in 2023.
“This huge increase threatens the viability for the P&A Society to continue Sheepvention as we know it, so it makes sense financially to put that money to better use into a multipurpose, lasting structure.
“Sheepvention and like events contribute positively to the overall economy within the Southern Grampians in numerous industries including agriculture, tourism, business and more.
“The construction of a high-quality facility located at the Shakespeare Street side, between the Hamiliton Lions and Western District Umpires Association buildings, will undoubtedly benefit other community users throughout the year,” concluded Cr Robertson.
The P&A Society will contribute $249,000 with Council resolving to fund the remaining $800,000 as a loan for the overall project cost of $1,049,000.
The short-term loan of $800,000 will be repaid by the P&A Society via payments that are inclusive of the loan principal, interests, and administrative costs of Council.
The proposed shed is consistent with the Hamilton Showgrounds Masterplan which was adopted by Council in March 2024, and is supported by the Hamilton Showgrounds Advisory Committee and user groups.