Published Friday, 31 October, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
North Queensland showgrounds to benefit from state funding
Showgrounds in the north Queensland region 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 local show societies across 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.
Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds welcomed the announcement of funding for societies in north Queensland.
“In the north Queensland region, six organisations will receive a total of more than $149,000 in this year’s allocation,” Mr Reynolds said.
“This funding will help these show societies maintain and improve their showground facilities so that they can be better utilised and enjoyed by the local community for years to come,” he said.
Mr Reynolds said the organisations in the north Queensland region to receive funding were:
• Townsville Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association - $81,442
• Herbert River Pastoral and Agricultural Association - $24,020
• Towers Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Association - $16,198
• Bowen Pastoral Agricultural Association - $12,398
• Ayr Pastoral Agricultural and Industrial Association - $7,923
• Giru Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society - $7,052.
Mr Pitt said show societies could 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 the annual shows around Queensland, and we want to ensure that the long tradition of the local show keeps going,” he said.
“With so many parts of the State experiencing continued population growth, it’s also important to keep public showground facilities in good condition and ready to cope with increased attendances.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Townsville Electorate Office 4772 4711
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt today announced that more than 130 local show societies across 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.
Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds welcomed the announcement of funding for societies in north Queensland.
“In the north Queensland region, six organisations will receive a total of more than $149,000 in this year’s allocation,” Mr Reynolds said.
“This funding will help these show societies maintain and improve their showground facilities so that they can be better utilised and enjoyed by the local community for years to come,” he said.
Mr Reynolds said the organisations in the north Queensland region to receive funding were:
• Townsville Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association - $81,442
• Herbert River Pastoral and Agricultural Association - $24,020
• Towers Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Association - $16,198
• Bowen Pastoral Agricultural Association - $12,398
• Ayr Pastoral Agricultural and Industrial Association - $7,923
• Giru Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society - $7,052.
Mr Pitt said show societies could 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 the annual shows around Queensland, and we want to ensure that the long tradition of the local show keeps going,” he said.
“With so many parts of the State experiencing continued population growth, it’s also important to keep public showground facilities in good condition and ready to cope with increased attendances.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Townsville Electorate Office 4772 4711