Local shows across the state will continue to delight, entertain and connect communities with 130 show societies and associations receiving more than $2.1 million from the Queensland Government’s Show Societies Grants Program, to help conduct their annual show.
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said that with many shows having to be cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, their return would give local communities a much-needed lift.
“The local show is such an important part of the fabric of our regions, towns and cities, and offer a terrific opportunity for locals to showcase their produce, livestock and artisanship,” he said.
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said it was important to recognise that the shows give local economies a boost.
“I appreciate the time and preparation involved in making each show a success and I applaud the work the Ipswich Show Society does, usually with limited resources,” she said.
Across the region, the grants will assist Show Societies including:
- Ipswich Show Society - $27,535
- Marburg & Dist A&I Assn - $8,656
- Rosewood A&H (Show) Assn - $7,025
The Show Societies Grants Program provides financial support for operating costs associated with conducting annual agricultural shows, and costs towards the construction and maintenance of showground assets.
Additionally, Show Societies who own their grounds may use up to 50 per cent of their funding towards new infrastructure works that meet the required timeframe and program objectives.
Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies (QCAS) General Manager, Trevor Beckingham OAM said the funding was important in helping the show societies deliver the shows.
“Many of the smaller show societies in particular, would find it extremely difficult to conduct their local show without this assistance from the Queensland Government,” Mr Beckingham said.
“I’d like to thank the Queensland Government for its ongoing support, which will help in opening the gates once again.”
The 2020-21 Show Societies Grants Program allocations range from just over $6,000 for small show societies up to more than $151,000 for the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland to conduct the Ekka.
For more information: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/ssgp
