The fence, which will be completed this week, is part of a project to improve security at the site and attracted $30,000 of funding from the state government late last year.

It was one of several local projects to receive money from the government’s Public Reserves Management Fund to help upgrade public land.

Gunnedah Shire Council has worked with Gunnedah Showground Trust to fund the project, which cost $90,000.

“The condition of sections of the perimeter fence has been a concern for the Reserve Trust for a number of years,” Cr Hasler said.

“Security has been an issue at the showground for some time.”

He said council also identified the renewal of the fence within its long-term asset management planning and plans to upgrade the northern and southern side of the showground as funds become available.

“This section of fence won’t solve  problems we’ve had in the past but will go a long  way to improving the aesthetics of the area,” he said.

“We will also be able to lock the gates on this section of the fence, which will help make it more secure.

“As funds become available we will look to upgrade the northern and southern sections of the fence.”

A number of other Gunnedah facilities were earmarked for funds from the Public Reserves Management Fund, including Gunnedah PCYC, $20,329 to repair and resurface the PCYC car park; $50,000 for the construction of access ramps to 12 aged care units at Yallambee Homes for the Aged; $34,640 to install a new disabled toilet and disabled access at the Old Boggabri Courthouse building and noxious weed control at the Breeza Public Recreation Reserve ($1000), Breeza Mountain ($5000) and Porcupine Hill Reserve ($4000).

“Our regions’ Crown reserve trusts and managers have been hard at work seeking these funds across a range of facilities and services,” Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said.

“These grants will go a long way towards ensuring our Crown reserves remain in good condition for all community activities.”