The Leeton Showground Trust has been given $400,000 from the state government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, which will go towards replacing the current grandstand at the location. 

The grandstand has seen better days and for some years residents have not been able to sit in it due to safety concerns. 

However, that will soon change with Leeton Shire Council, the Leeton-Whitton Football and Netball Club and the Showground Trust all working together in recent times to secure the funding. 

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A further application for around $800,000 is waiting on approval from the state government under another of the banners. 

The organisations are also hoping the federal government will kick in money to get the project over the line. 

Leeton-Whitton club president Damian Lang said the whole project would include the demolition of the current grandstand and replacing it with a new building which would also house change rooms, a canteen, viewing area and office. 

“Honestly, I would say at the moment the facilities we have now are probably the worst in the (Riverina Football) league,” he said. 

“We’re really grateful this funding has come through and for council’s support and help as well.”

Leeton mayor Paul Maytom said the grandstand in its current state was an “embarrassment”. 

“We always saw this as an area that needed work, so to be able to start making progress now is very good news,” he said. 

“As a community we pride ourselves on having great sporting facilities and now we will be able to say the same for this area once it is all complete.”

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