The Nimbin A&I Society is seeking support to secure the area known as Bellevue Park for the community.
The 1.8ha site, which many people may presume is already part of the Showground, is directly behind the water tanker filling site at 29 Cecil Street (see map). The area is part of the former Stewart family farm, and was set aside as community land at the time of the development of Jarlanbah, Djanbung Gardens, and other properties. In 1989, Lismore City Council granted a 21-year lease to the A&I Society to create a space for an oval for the Nimbin Demons AFL team. This lease included a boundary adjustment between council and the A&I Society. In 2004 the A&I Society surrendered a 13m-wide section of the lease’s northern boundary to allow the construction of the water-filling station. In 2010 council granted a five- year extension to the lease and shortly after made enquiries as to the A&I Society’s willingness to purchase the land. Negotiations began but were interrupted by the Covid epidemic, and the natural disasters of 2019 and 2022. Its proximity to the Nimbin Preschool, Discover Fitness Gym, the Nimbin Headers fields and the new walking track – along with regular use by emergency groups such as the rescue helicopter – make it a vital piece of open space within the village precinct. It has been maintained by Showground volunteers for the past 35 years at no cost to council.
Negotiations have now re-commenced and your input can help to influence the way Council proceeds. You can make a short statement supporting the showgrounds via email to: nimbinshow2@y7mail.com or by mail to PO Box 200165, Nimbin.
