The Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants (AgShows) Program has attracted applications from more than three quarters of eligible shows across Australia for a share of funds to provide a much needed boost to regional agricultural shows by improving infrastructure.
Agriculture Minister Senator Bridget McKenzie said the strong level of interest showed the value of the Government’s AgShows program to regional Australia.
“These grants are about helping shows held in regional areas stay relevant, vibrant and continue to provide a platform to showcase local food and fibre to the wider community, all while supporting jobs,” Minister McKenzie said.
“With these grants our government is delivering on an election promise to help Australia’s regional communities stage great local agricultural shows for decades to come-bringing people together through good times and tough times like the current drought.
“We’ve received 445 applications from regional show societies and state and territory agricultural show peak bodies that could be eligible to receive grants of up to $500,000 to upgrade, maintain, buy or build new showground infrastructure and attractions.
“Grants could be used for repairs or upgrades of existing showground facilities such as outdoor seating, new infrastructure such as a grandstand, assets like portable sheep holding yards or attractions such as an agricultural virtual reality exhibit.
“Successful applicants will be announced in March 2020, following an independent assessment process. I can’t wait to see how the grant funds will be used to improve agricultural shows in each regional community.
“This funding is in addition to the $720,000 the Liberal and Nationals Government is providing to Agricultural Shows Australia to use the agricultural show network to promote the value and role of farmers.”
Agricultural Shows Australia Chairman, Dr Rob Wilson, said the overwhelming response to the grant program demonstrated the need for a funding boost with many regional shows celebrating 100 years and some even approaching their 200th year.
“Agricultural shows are vitally important to communities across Australia,” Dr Wilson said.
“These are iconic events that rely on the goodwill and hard work of volunteers to stage year in and year out.
“They play a huge role in communities and contribute massively to the economy of Australia.
“Applications for this $20 million program add up to nearly $70 million. This shows what an important and welcome boost this program is for our regional shows while also delivering a strong message to all levels of Government and the community of the importance of agricultural shows.”
