The Wauchope Show Society couldn’t be happier to see donated timber arrive in time for redevelopment of the showground’s grandstands.

Thanks to Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Community Timber Partnerships program, local north coast hardwood timber will be used to replace seating across all five of the grandstands.

The first grandstand is expected to be upgraded by the 2020 Wauchope show in April.

Wauchope Show Society President, Neil Coombes said the donated timber will have a flow on benefit to the showground.

“With the donated timber, the Show Society can now allocate more funding to other necessary upgrades, ensuring that we remain viable into the future,” Mr Coombes said.

“Local shows are the lifeblood of the community, and this has never been more so, following years of drought, devastating bushfires, flooding and everything in between.”

Forestry Corporation’s Partnerships Leader Sandra Madeley was there to greet the first delivery of the timber with members of the Show Society.

“We are excited to contribute to the redevelopment work that will benefit the community for decades to come,” Ms Madeley said.

The Community Timber Partnership was formed by Forestry Corporation, Boral Timber and Planet Ark to salvage around 1,000 cubic metres of flooring and decking products impacted by the Murwillumbah floods in 2017.

“When we heard about such a large volume of timber being written off, in some cases for damage as minor as water staining, we were determined to salvage it for local community projects,” Ms Madeley said.

“We’re working with a range of community groups to give the timber a new lease of life and create renewable, durable, beautiful timber facilities for many more local communities to enjoy.”

The Community Timber Partnerships Project is endorsed by Planet Ark, under their Make it Wood program.

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428058549