Victoria Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

Bendigo Showgrounds Set For Modern Upgrade

Victor P Taffa

Historic Bendigo Showgrounds is set for major redevelopment with the Andrews Government today announcing funding for a new Masterplan to be undertaken by Urban Enterprise.

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes was in Bendigo today to announce a $50,000 grant from the State Government’s Stronger Regional Communities Plan to support development of the Masterplan and Business Case.

“Bendigo Showgrounds is a major venue in regional Victoria and needs a first-rate events space for the future that’s exactly what we hope this Masterplan will deliver.” Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said.

“We’re proud to play its part in helping ensure that the Bendigo Showgrounds can continue to attract major events and visitors to regional Victoria for years to come.”

City of Greater Bendigo, which will lead the project, and the Bendigo Agriculture Show Society Inc. will also contribute $25,000 each towards the project.

Bendigo is one of regional Victoria’s largest showgrounds, each year playing host to 605,000 people and some of Victoria’s major events including the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo Agricultural Show, Groovin the Moo, and the Bendigo National Swap Meet.

However, the Showgrounds no longer fully meet the needs of all user groups with some events needing to hire in temporary infrastructure. Water and electricity costs for the site are also high.

“This is an important investment in getting this venue right for Bendigo’s future and will create a new vision for these Showgrounds and a pathway for the site’s rejuvenation which is fantastic news for all.” Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said.

Grant will enable the City of Greater Bendigo to undertake extensive community consultation with diverse user groups, so that the future vision meets their needs.

Andrews Government’s Stronger Regional Communities Plan is a state-wide small grants program that supports rural and regional towns to create opportunities for economic growth.