Primex director Bruce Wright has signed an agreement between Primex Field Days and the Lismore Showgrounds to hold the Primex ag event in Lismore starting next year.
State MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed the news.
“What a significant coup to secure this premier event for Lismore and for it to be based at our much loved Lismore Showgrounds,” Ms Saffin said.
Primex will now take place in the Lismore electorate.
Richmond Valley Council sits mostly in the Clarence electorate. The council said the news of the move was disappointing. Read more about their response here.
Mr Wright said it was about Primex being sustainable into the future.
“We’re still here – we’re only 20 minutes to Lismore,” he said.
One of the main drivers of the move was the uncertainty around using the site at the industrial estate in Casino, Mr Wright said.
“I love Casino. I’m 58 years old and I’ve been coming to Casino for 40-odd years,” he said.
“This (the move) was about making sure the event had a sustainable future.
“It wasn’t going to continue on that site with the land up for sale.”
The site is owned by Bruce’s father John Wright and was put up for sale last year.
Bruce Wright said he had always wanted the site to be for Richmond Valley events.
“A stand-alone event centre in all-weather situations.”
Then residents wouldn’t have to drive to the Gold Coast for events, he said.
Mr Wright said Lismore became a better place for Primex because there was more accommodation available.
The decision is a business decision and wasn’t for “a lack of heart or connection to Casino.”
Mr Wright said there was no promise of State Government funding or money from Lismore City Council to make the move.
What about flooding in Lismore and at the showground?
Mr Wright said when it is wet, it is wet everywhere.
Floods and rain have impacted Primex in the past few years.
There are more bitumen roads at Lismore Showground and there is a $4.7million upgrade on the showgrounds before the end of May, Mr Wright said.
With ag shows in Bundaberg, Newcastle, Gunnedah and Toowoomba, Mr Wright said Primex would continue to serve the Northern Rivers.
Read about the Primex announcement on the move here.
This article appeared on indyNR.com on 1 September 2025.
