$310,637 show of support for Maranoa

December 3, 2020

Shows and field days in Maranoa cancelled because of COVID-19 are about to get a slice of $34 million Australian Government funding to help ensure they can bounce back next year.

Minister for Agriculture and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the first payments under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program will roll out before Christmas.

“Two months ago, I launched this package to reimburse eligible costs for shows and field days who had to cancel because of COVID-19,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Today I am pleased to announce that 378 shows and field days—including 18 shows across Maranoa—have been approved for funding to help ease cash-flow pressures.

“The Government is keen to ensure show societies and field day organisers are in the best shape possible to continue in 2021. These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city.”

Minister Littleproud said shows and field days were uniquely Australian and provide huge economic spin-offs for local communities as well as opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit.

“They also help to keep maintain our farmers’ competitive edge by providing an outlet for new ideas, new technologies and new ways of working to be shared.

“I am very pleased to see 18 shows in my electorate of Maranoa are able to access this funding to help get them through this tough period and out the other side in a sound position to host again in 2021,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This $310,637.28 in funding to 18 shows across Maranoa is in addition to more than $3.43 million in infrastructure funding granted to Maranoa show societies through the Show Grants 2020 program.

“Next year is looking so much brighter and I know this support will be fantastic boost for our volunteers, families and school kids.”

Chair of Agricultural Shows Australia Dr Rob Wilson said show societies forced to cancel in 2020 were positive about hosting again next year.

“This Australian Government support has helped provide certainty and a renewed sense of optimism ahead of 2021 after a difficult year for everyone, especially our 50,000 volunteers,” Dr Wilson said.

“With some states already giving the go-ahead to shows next year, subject to COVID conditions being met, this funding will ensure hundreds of societies can start planning now.”

For more information click onto the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program webpage here.

Maranoa Shows funded under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program:

Alpha Show Society Inc	$4,955.50
Dalby and District Show Society	$26,361.00
Roma Show Society Inc.	$36,070.37
Nanango Agricultural Pastoral and Mining Society Inc	$15,000.00
Goondiwindi Pastoral and Agricultural Society	$70,000.00
Tambo Stock Show Inc	$6,322.55
Chinchilla Agricultural & Pastoral Association Incorporated	$15,000.00
Muttaburra Stock Show Society Inc	$2,622.16
Charleville and South West Queensland Show Society Inc.	$8,760.65
Quilpie & District Show Society Inc.	$2,205.50
Wandoan Show Society Incorporated	$2,260.00
Crow’s Nest Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society Inc.	$10,000.00
Texas Show Society Inc.	$10,000.00
South Burnett National Show Society Kingaroy Inc.	$70,000.00
The Barcaldine Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society Incorporated	$2,485.25
Barcoo Pastoral Society	$3,594.30
Cunnamulla & District Show Society Inc	$10,000.00
Warwick Show and Rodeo Society Incorporated	$15,000.00
TOTAL	$310,637.28

 Fast Facts

• Agricultural shows and field days contribute more than $1 billion to the economy each year but rely largely on financial assistance from supporters and attendees.
• There are 580 agricultural shows nationwide, which attract six million visitors and are serviced by 50,000 volunteers.
• The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program funding is being provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund for regions, communities and industry sectors disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
• Successful applicants are eligible to claim reimbursements on costs including bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licensing costs, website costs, state/national show body affiliation fees and rent.
• The program is part of a broader $60 million agricultural support package that includes the $20 million Regional Agricultural Shows Development program.