The Miles and Wandoan show societies will have a fresh face when the showgrounds are renewed and reinvigorated with a $624,000 investment through the Federal Government’s Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program, Maranoa MP David Littleproud announced today.
“It’s disappointing the 2020 Shows in Miles and Wandoan have been cancelled because of COVID-19 because these shows bring the community together and are major drawcards,” Mr Littleproud said.
“That’s why it’s so important that in 2021 these two shows come back bigger and better than before.
“The Miles Showgrounds will make use of $500,000 for new grandstand seating, toilets, main arena lighting and improved pathways.
“The Wandoan Show Society will invest $124,000 in fencing, roof extensions and new windows and insulated ceilings in their facilities.
“Shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities and when their next event rolls around, these upgrades will make the event even more attractive to show goers.
“I’m a firm believer in bringing people together and improving community services across Maranoa because it has a positive flow-on effect on our quality of life and how we support each other – making improvements to the Miles and Wandoan Showgrounds reflects this.
“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to these regional events, more local employment, and more tills ringing in local businesses.
“I want to see our shows continue to grow in size and popularity and bridge the rural/urban divide.”
A total of 122 regional shows received a portion of funding through the $20 million Regional Agricultural Show Development grants program. Show societies in Maranoa received more than $3.4 million.
For successful applicants visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/ag-shows .
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