AusLeisure

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has pledged $5 million towards the redevelopment of the Hobart Showgrounds, backing the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) owner and custodian of the Hobart Showground in its multi-million dollar project to turn the Showground at Glenorchy into a modern and vibrant community asset.

Speaking during a visit to the Showgrounds yesterday (Sunday 11th August), Prime Minister Rudd said the money was an investment in Hobart's future and acknowledged job creation was a big challenge for the State.

RAST Chief Executive Scott Gadd has welcomed the Federal grant, stating "what the Prime Minister's done by giving us the $5 million is guaranteed that that development can go ahead."

RAST's $100 million plans for the redevelopment of the Hobart Showground includes:

Staged replacement of aged infrastructure

Five new multi-use exhibition and event venues

Reconstruction of the main arena to accommodate a commercial precinct on the Howard Rd boundary

An enhanced motor home area

A perimeter roadway to provide efficient onsite traffic movement for livestock and events transport

The redevelopment also aims to provide the missing link between Glenorchy and local residential, arts and recreational precincts east of the Brooker Highway for cyclists, joggers and walkers, via a possible flyover of the Brooker Highway from the Showground site.

RAST also aim to lease surplus land on the 17 hectare Showground site for commercial and other purposes which in turn will contribute to the transformation of the Showground buildings into modern multi-use amenities.

The generation of commercial revenue through the leasing will underpin the Society's future sustainability and also allow the RAST to continue under writing community and public activities at the Showground site.

The Hobart Showground dates back to 1904.

The Hobart Showgrounds are in the seat of Denison, which is held by independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

While in Tasmania the Prime Minister also announced Labor would contribute $375,000 to upgrade Launceston's Prospect Park.

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