Green light for showgrounds plan

advice from Sunwater that it would not proceed with the project as Sunwater was unable to meet contract and construction deadlines.

“Such was the lack of interest by the State Labor Government in this project that it may not have even sought extensions to those deadlines,” Mr O’Brien said.

“It wrapped the project’s cancellation up in secrecy by not telling key stakeholders like Maryborough Canegrowers it had axed contract negotiations.”

Water supply is a key issue for Maryborough and the Fraser Coast, and this project was specifically designed to provide water security to farmers in times of drought.

“We all know what drought looks like in Maryborough and the Fraser Coast and the devastating impact it has on farmers, jobs, and the local economy.”

“People in Maryborough have every right to be disappointed that Bruce Saunders, after campaigning on water security, allowed his Labor State Government to conspire with his Labor mates in Canberra to kill off this vital project for Maryborough,” Mr O’Brien said.

On 13 March 2017 the Member for Maryborough

Bruce Saunders called on the Federal Government to invest in water storage in Maryborough.

“If we don’t get the water, we won’t get the biofuels. It’s crucial the federal government come to party with it and help us finance it,” Mr Saunders said at the time.

Then in 2019, after Mr O’Brien announced the $18 million water storage project, Mr Saunders said water was still a priority, saying he’d raised the issue with Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk during a visit.

“Water storage is something I really want,” Mr Saunders said in 2019.

“But now we all know when a firm offer of $18 million for water was on the table for Maryborough, the Albanese and Palaszczuk Labor Governments just turn off the tap and walk away.”

Mr O’Brien said he is concerned what other Labor cuts might be in line for Wide Bay.

“With this project axed and the Tiaro bypass, Bridges Renewal Program, Roads to Recovery Program, Black Spot Program and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program all pushed out to reviews, it shows Labor has no plan for regional Australia.”

Mr Saunders office has been contacted for comment.

A SECOND covered arena, an upgraded equestrian crosscountry course and a new recreation node with covered picnic shelters and views of the lake are among the features included in the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park Master Plan.

At its meeting this week, Fraser Coast Regional Council endorsed the master plan to guide the development of the showgrounds over the next 10 to 15 years.

Cr Jade Wellings said the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park was one of Council’s most important assets as it was a regionally significant facility on a fully fenced 105-hectare site with frontage to the Bruce Highway.

“The Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park is used by many groups including horse riders, the Fraser Coast Agricultural Show Society, Lifeline and Rotary Clubs from Hervey Bay and Maryborough,” she said.

“Usage of the facility has more than doubled since 2017, and we aim to ensure that it continues to attract large events such as lifestyle expos, caravan and RV rallies and major equestrian events.

“The master plan includes options to provide a second covered arena allowing additional events to be held undercover.

“The development of the recreation node and buildings near the main entrance would boost facilities for community groups and help activate the venue as a recreational reserve.

“New roads and parking would allow the facility to be sectioned so multiple events could be held at the same time without affecting each other.

“There are also plans to expand and improve the mountain bike trail network to improve separation between bike riders and horse riders.”

Cr Wellings said Council was already investing in improvements at the showgrounds, with the main hall recently undergoing a $4.4 million refurbishment and $1.1 million allocated in the 2023/24 budget to replace electrical assets and to install and replace toilets.

“Two key priorities in Council’s new Corporate Plan are to better plan for the future and effectively manage and maintain our assets, and that’s exactly what we are doing at the showgrounds,” she said.