Published Friday, 31 October, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Showgrounds to benefit from $2 million in state funding
Showgrounds around the state will receive a welcome injection of funds thanks to the latest round of the Queensland Government’s annual show society grants.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt today announced that more than 130 show societies around the state would share in $2 million.
“Exhibitions and country shows are keenly anticipated events that give communities around the state a chance to come together, celebrate and showcase the best that their region has to offer,” Mr Pitt said.
“Showgrounds around Queensland often also double as key sporting and recreation precincts, with many clubs and organisations using them on a weekly basis. This funding will help Queensland’s show societies to maintain and improve their showground facilities so that they can be better utilised and enjoyed by the local community for years to come.”
Mr Pitt said some of the organisations to receive funding included:
• Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Society (Brisbane) - $150,000
• Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (Toowoomba) - $66,099
• Cairns Agricultural, Pastoral and Mining Association - $92,573
• Gold Coast Show Society - $72,805
• Ipswich Show Society - $27,000
• Mackay and District Agricultural, Pastoral and Industrial Association - $62,680
• Mount Isa Agricultural Show Society - $15,157
• Townsville Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association - $81,442
• Bundaberg Agricultural, Pastoral and Industrial Society - $35,692.
“Show societies can use the grants to conduct shows or to construct and maintain show-related assets. The State Government is a strong supporter of not only the larger shows such as the Brisbane Ekka, but of all of the annual shows around Queensland and we want to ensure that the long tradition of the local show keeps going," he said.
“With many areas of our state experiencing population growth, it’s also important to keep our public showground facilities in good condition and ready to cope with increased attendances.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt today announced that more than 130 show societies around the state would share in $2 million.
“Exhibitions and country shows are keenly anticipated events that give communities around the state a chance to come together, celebrate and showcase the best that their region has to offer,” Mr Pitt said.
“Showgrounds around Queensland often also double as key sporting and recreation precincts, with many clubs and organisations using them on a weekly basis. This funding will help Queensland’s show societies to maintain and improve their showground facilities so that they can be better utilised and enjoyed by the local community for years to come.”
Mr Pitt said some of the organisations to receive funding included:
• Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Society (Brisbane) - $150,000
• Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (Toowoomba) - $66,099
• Cairns Agricultural, Pastoral and Mining Association - $92,573
• Gold Coast Show Society - $72,805
• Ipswich Show Society - $27,000
• Mackay and District Agricultural, Pastoral and Industrial Association - $62,680
• Mount Isa Agricultural Show Society - $15,157
• Townsville Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association - $81,442
• Bundaberg Agricultural, Pastoral and Industrial Society - $35,692.
“Show societies can use the grants to conduct shows or to construct and maintain show-related assets. The State Government is a strong supporter of not only the larger shows such as the Brisbane Ekka, but of all of the annual shows around Queensland and we want to ensure that the long tradition of the local show keeps going," he said.
“With many areas of our state experiencing population growth, it’s also important to keep our public showground facilities in good condition and ready to cope with increased attendances.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819