The Stanthorpe Showground’s exhibition centre is set for a spacious overhaul thanks in part to a $480,000 investment through the Federal Government’s Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program, Maranoa MP David Littleproud said.
“The Stanthorpe Show is a major drawcard for the Southern Downs region and this funding will help the Show Society make it an even more memorable event for the future,” Mr Littleproud said.
“A mezzanine will be built in the Stanthorpe Showground exhibition centre which is going to give the Show Society many options in how they choose to run their future programs.
“By creating more space, there’s going to be more exhibits on offer – that’s sure to interest show goers more and market the region well to its visitors.
“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 Stanthorpe 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.
ENDS