Richmond Valley Council received $14.3 million in funding, including $12.8 million under the Australian and NSW governments’ co-funded Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and additional funding from the NSW Showground Stimulus Program, Drought Communities Funding, Crown Lands, and Richmond Valley Council, to complete the master plan for the Casino Showground and Racecourse redevelopment.
The master plan, which Council adopted in September 2018 after extensive consultation with key stakeholder groups, features a new indoor equestrian arena, redevelopment of the horse racing training stables, and other key renewal projects listed below.
One of the exciting outcomes of the master plan is to position Casino as the equestrian capital of the Northern Rivers, bringing visitors from across the region and interstate, and in turn, will provide a sustained economic boost to the Richmond Valley.
Show jumping, dressage, camp draft, rodeo, and cross country will all be able to be catered for, along with other agricultural shows which may require space, either undercover or in the open.
It builds on the existing site’s core features and opportunities, which are primarily based around equine activity, both in professional thoroughbred racing and recreational sporting terms.
The official opening of the Casino Showground and Racecourse upgrade was held on Saturday 20th April 2024. It revealed a large undercover arena, an outdoor sand area, a new racing stable complex to accommodate up to 80 horses, and a new truck and float parking area. The new equestrian exercise area, which includes round yards, a horse walker and a 50-metre equine pool, will be a huge draw card for equestrians who can use it to improve the fitness of their horses.
Other work completed, such as the powered event camping area, will increase the facility’s ability to host additional events including country music festivals, car shows, trade shows and markets. These events are expected to boost the local economy by attracting visitors from across NSW to stay in the Northern Rivers and spend money at businesses in the region.
