Work ramps up as Lismore Showground reaches rebuild milestone

CONSTRUCTION is ramping up at the Lismore Showground as part of a $4.75 million project to restore the facility to full community use.

The latest milestone has involved the demolition of the Fine Arts Pavilion, a central hub of the North Coast National Lismore Show, with work now under way to rebuild walls and ceilings.

The upgraded pavilion will feature new lighting, improved air circulation and mobile display cabinets, allowing for a wider range of events and exhibitions.

New cages are also arriving for the Jim Muldoon Poultry Pavilion, further enhancing the showground’s facilities.

In 2024, the site received $1.43 million in road repairs, restoring around 1.1 kilometres of internal roads.

The Lismore Showground sits on Crown reserves managed by the North Coast National Agricultural and Industrial Society Incorporated.

Secretary Mark Sollom said the upgrades were critical after severe flood damage in 2022.

“When the flood came through, about 95 per cent of the buildings here had water go through them, which was unprecedented in living memory,” he said.

“We are really looking forward to having a new showground to work from and opening up areas for events that we have not been able to use before.”

The restoration project has included repairs to multiple buildings, roof replacements, mould removal, painting and boundary fence restoration.

The showground is set to host major events this year, including the Primex exhibition, which is relocating from Casino and attracts around 30,000 visitors.