Southern Downs Show Societies win a prize with Budget funding boost

Published Wednesday, 11 July, 2018 at 01:45 PM

Minister for Local Government, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

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

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.”

“For many, especially in remote areas, the show is the one time of the year they get the chance to compete, compare and simply catch up with the rest of the community.

“The show also gives the local economy a real shot in the arm, so this funding boost for all our local shows will have a wonderful impact.”

Across the Southern Downs region, the grants will assist Show Societies including:

  • Allora Show Society Inc. - $9,602
  • Dirranbandi P&A Assn - $8,465
  • Goondiwindi P & A (Show) Society - $14,443
  • Inglewood Show Society - $7,813
  • Killarney Show & Rodeo Society Inc. - $6,227
  • St George P&A (Show) Assn - $8,556
  • Stanthorpe Agricultural Society - $16,821
  • Texas Show Society - $9,159
  • Warwick Show & Rodeo Society - $17,160

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.

Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies (QCAS) General Manager, Karen Wolf said the funding was crucial in order to be able to deliver the shows each year.

“Many of the Show Societies, particularly the smaller ones, would find it extremely challenging to conduct their shows without the Government’s assistance through the grants program,” Ms Wolf said.

“We are absolutely delighted the government has increased the funding as it will have an enormous positive impact on every show in Queensland.”

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

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548