Far North Queensland Show Societies win a prize with Budget funding boost

Show Societies in Far North Queensland will share in an increase of $400,000 over three years to the State Government’s Show Societies Grants Program.

Inspecting preparations for next week’s Cairns Show, Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said the additional funding on top of the annual $2 million program was vital to help Queensland’s 129 local shows go on.

“When I was growing up, going to the show was one of the highlights of the year and even now, when I hear the screams from the rides and catch the familiar scents of dagwood dogs, fairy floss and livestock in the air, it’s still a thrill,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The local show is more than just a magical occasion creating wonderful memories, it’s a truly important social and economic event on the calendar for towns, cities and regions right across the state.

"The Show Societies and associations that run the shows do a fantastic job, usually with limited resources, which is why the Government made a commitment during the election to increase our support for these organisations.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said:

“The Cairns Show is a big ticket item on the local calendar, bringing together thousands of local residents, visitors and primary producers from throughout the region.

“It delivers an important boost to the local economy and the Palaszczuk Government is proud to support the Cairns Show through this great program.”

Across Far North Queensland, the grants will assist Show Societies including:

• Cairns Show Association - $86,565
• Atherton Tableland Agricultural Society - $17,510
• Innisfail & District Show Society - $20,437
• Malanda Show Society - $17,946
• Mareeba Dist Rodeo & Show Assn - $31,093
• Mossman & District Show Society - $11,879
• Tully & District Show Society - $20,330

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.

President of the Cairns Show Association Ian Allen said the funding was crucial in order to be able to deliver the show each year.

“We are very proud of our show but without this assistance, we would find it extremely challenging to conduct Australia’s largest regional show,” Mr Allen said.

“We are truly grateful to the government for its increase in funding, which will allow us to continue to bring joy to Cairns families and those who travel far and wide to come here each year.”

For more information: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/ssgp

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548