Media Releases

$660,000 Makeover for Elmore Field Days

05 October 2009

$200,000 GRANT TO UPGRADE ELMORE FIELD DAYS SITE: BRUMBYThe Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, today announced a $200,000 Bracks Government grant to upgrade the site that hosts the Elmore Field Days.

Mr Brumby was joined by Agriculture Minister, and Member for Bendigo West, Bob Cameron, during a visit to the Elmore Field Days today to make the funding announcement.

Mr Brumby also presented the 2005 Herb Capewell Memorial Trophy for best overall exhibit and met with exhibitors, guests, volunteers and sponsors.

He said the grant, funded through the Government’s Small Towns Development Fund to Campaspe Shire Council, would enable the site to be used for a range of events and activities of regional, state and national significance, including the 21st Scouts Australian National Jamboree in 2007.

“Improvements to infrastructure here in Elmore will provide a massive social and economic boost for the entire region,” Mr Brumby said.

“One of the first major benefits of this project will be to enable the site to host the 21st Scouts Australian National Jamboree in January 2007.

“This event will attract 9,000 Scouts, 500 Venturers and 2,500 leaders from Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region, as well as an estimated 3,500 support personnel.

“Scouts Victoria will spend $10 million to stage the 10-day event, including food, consumables, entertainment and equipment hire, as well as an estimated $750,000 to stage regional activities for participants.”

The improvements to the Elmore Field Days site include:

• Construction of a large, new amenities block incorporating toilets, showers and change rooms;
• Installation of a large underground tanks to significantly increase the on-site effluent storage capacity; and
• Connection of the site to the Elmore reticulated sewerage system, allowing for the site to cope with large capacity major events.

Mr Cameron said the site upgrade would provide other major benefits for the region by enabling the Elmore Field Days, now in its 42nd year, to consolidate and grow and attract the 2010 National Rally of the Association of Caravan Clubs of Australia, an event that will attract an estimated 1,200 people for a 10-day period.

“The Elmore and District Machinery and Field Day Inc is contributing $105,000 to the upgrade, $35,000 from the Shire of Campaspe, and Scouts Victoria is putting in $60,000,” Mr Cameron said.
“The Elmore Field Days are an established event of statewide significance attracting more than 50,000 people each year and already adds considerable value to regional communities and businesses.

“With an upgraded site there is further opportunities for the region to attract events of state and national significance.”

Mr Brumby said the Bracks Government’s $20 million Small Towns Development Fund provided matching grants of up to $200,000 for towns with populations generally less than 10,000 to assist them create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure.

The Bracks Government has now committed $11 million towards 167 projects worth $25.7 million under the Small Towns fund.