Upgrade for Bungendore Rodeo, Equestrian Sports and Recreation Ground
Community sport and events in southwest NSW have received a boost after Bungendore Rodeo, Equestrian Sports and Recreation Reserve became a multipurpose facility thanks to almost $370,000 worth of recent upgrades.
The venue, located at scenic Mount Gibraltar, has been given a new lease of life with the assistance of the NSW Government's Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
The Crown Lands funded upgrades have seen timber fencing surrounding arenas replaced with new steel fences, earth works to level and make the arena grounds better and safer, remediation of rain affected ground surfaces, removal of trip hazards, drainage improvements to help protect against erosion, and repair of heavy rain damage to the natural amphitheatre.
Bungendore Equestrian Sports and Recreation Ground Land Manager board member Chloe Buckle said Bushfires, COVID-19 and flood damage all had impacts on the region with the ground suffering a range of damage to its facilities and the Bungendore Rodeo forced into a three-year hiatus.
“The facilities had become a bit worse for wear pre-COVID and if we hadn’t received funding, we would not have been able to run any future events,” Ms Buckle said.
“This funding has enabled us to replace timber structures with steel where permitted, levelled the ground and ultimately made it a much safer facility for competitors and visitors."
The upgrades to infrastructure at the site have enabled it to become a multipurpose facility that can be enjoyed by a wider range of user groups, from hosting rodeos, equestrian demonstrations, camp drafting and polocrosse to music festivals, field days, and other community events.
The new facility will also be used as an emergency evacuation centre for livestock with ample yards for livestock and other animals, while meeting modern requirements for fire safety, livestock welfare, competitor safety and spectator safety.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said Bungendore Rodeo, Equestrian Sports and Recreation Reserve is on a Crown land reserve and has been serviced by a Trust for more than 30 years.
The completion of works recently allowed the facility to host its first campdraft event since the early 1990s.
“This investment by the NSW Government will benefit both locals and visitors who will be able to use the new and improved Bungendore Rodeo, Equestrian Sports and Recreation Ground,” Mr Kamper said.
“It's fantastic to see this facility can now be used by a wider range of people and groups in southwest NSW and I look forward to seeing it come to life with more community events.”
