Showground Relocation

Updated June 2020

The Committee for Wagga is optimistic that an arrangement can be forthcoming for the relocation of the Showground to a more suitable alternative location, that will serve the Show Society, its event patrons and the community in a much more beneficial way and enable the re-purposing of the current site for the long term benefit of the Show Society and the City.

Wagga Harness Racing Club relocated to the new Riverina Paceway at Cooramin Street, North Wagga Wagga in February 2019.

In July 2019, the Wagga Wagga City Council released its Health Precinct Master Plan for public comment. This precinct is immediately adjacent to the existing Showground.

Background

The current Showground facilities are aged and located on an under-utilised parcel of land in close proximity to the central business area and medical precinct, 2.3 kms drive from Baylis Street and 600 metres to either the Rural Referral Hospital or Calvary Hospital. The Show Society could benefit from exploring a more suitable, alternative location to realise potential positive outcomes for both the Show Society and the community. 

The Showground is a triangular parcel of land bound by Bourke Street, Urana Street and the Melbourne/Sydney rail line. The land area is 17 ha (56 acres) and currently owned in trust by the Wagga Wagga Show Society. When the land was originally established as the Showgrounds it was located on the outskirts of the central business area, however residential growth and commercial development has since surrounded the site. Notably, land adjacent the Showgrounds owned by the University will soon be sold and is likely to be developed as infill residential housing. Further to this, the development of a new trotting track at North Wagga Wagga will result in the Showground losing a key tenant and further impact the long term viability.