The proposal, put forward in a letter to Mid-Western Regional Council by Rylstone Caravan Park lessee-manager Roger Sammut, will be dealt with at tonight’s strategic committee meeting by council.

Committee members of the Rylstone-Kandos Show Society met at the showground on Sunday to discuss the issue and said they were “outraged” by the proposal.

Show society president David Clarke said the proposal was an easy option and an easy fix that would destroy a wonderful asset to the community.

“This would destroy what is considered to be the jewel in the crown of all showgrounds in NSW,” Mr Clarke said. “We are outraged that council would even consider this proposal.”

Mr Clarke, who is also president of the Rylstone branch of the NSW Farmers Association, said there were other options available closer to the caravan park and these should be explored.

“The environmental impact alone would be horrendous. There’s been an enormous amount of work done by the local environment society and other volunteers. This area is unique. It’s common to see half a dozen platypus or more in the river during the day. What would happen to them?”

Show Society president Stephen Evans said people must have short memories.

“It was only 12 years ago that sideshow trucks and equipment had to be rescued during a sudden flood that totally inundated the proposed area,” Mr Evans said.

“If it hadn’t been for the quick action by local people, vehicles would have been washed down into the river. This area doesn’t just flood, it becomes part of the river and flows very fast.”

Mr Evans said during the past few years he had spent a lot of time at the showground and was amazed at how many people used the showground for numerous reasons everyday.

“The number of people who visit this showground to have lunch, walk along the river, play sport and enjoy the area is quit astounding. You cannot shut off the showground to users. It’s as simple as that.”