Locals lobby $2.8 million in federal help for Nebo community asset

Locals are calling for a $2.8 million commitment from federal candidates to back regional Australia and fund the Nebo Showgrounds Masterplan Stage 1 in this year’s election.

Isaac community groups and Council have joined forces to advocate for funding to revitalise the Nebo Showgrounds facility and futureproof one of the region’s most utilised assets with infrastructure, parking and camping upgrades.

Mayor Anne Baker said Nebo Showgrounds is a critical piece of community infrastructure in need of important upgrades and it is time for Canberra to take notice.

“This facility supports our grassroot industries, community groups and neighbouring towns hosting over 685 events annually,” Mayor Baker said.

“From the national events like the Nebo Rodeo to its role in supporting the agricultural sector, communities in regional Australia are built on places like the Nebo Showgrounds.

“We have ambitious plans, but we cannot do this on our own. Federal candidates committing funds to this project is a vote of support for regional Australia.”

The Nebo Showgrounds are booked out for more than 80 days of the year, attracting 20,000 visitors annually with an estimated local economy return of about $1.2 million.

Mayor Baker said there is a lot of potential for growth in existing activities as well as attracting new industry and events.

“This is why we have developed the Nebo Showgrounds Masterplan in consultation with community to maximise the facility’s full potential,” Mayor Baker said.

Local cattle producer Jarrod Deguara, who competes with his teenage son in team roping events at Nebo, said Nebo Rodeo is Australia’s biggest one-day rodeos, attracting 5,000 people from across regional Australia.

“To get federal support for this project would be phenomenal because the Nebo Rodeo is not just a community event … this is nationwide event,” the Nebo Bushman’s Carnival committee member said.

Joy Cooper from the Nebo Pony Club said Nebo Showgrounds are an essential place for the rural and regional communities.

“All of it costs money and we’re only little clubs and we can only do so much,” Ms Cooper said.

“That’s why this federal election we are calling on candidates to support projects that matters to us like the Nebo Showgrounds Masterplan.”

Visit https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/homepage/276/nebo-showgrounds-masterplan---stage-1 for more information.