Local show societies have struggled due to COVID-19 with shows this year being cancelled and showground maintenance costs continuing.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan welcomed the Morrison-McCormack Government providing $36 million to support show societies, with local societies expected to receive $10,000-$70,000 depending on their usual show attendance numbers.
“Agricultural show societies play an important role in our community which is why Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud have allocated $36 million in support to them,” he said.
“I love show Wednesday in Kempsey and I want to see the tradition continue for generations to come.
“I welcome this one-off reimbursement to agricultural show societies and I hope it goes a way toward alleviating their cash flow pressures caused by the coronavirus.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said it was important to support local show societies as they connect regional communities.
“Agricultural shows are part of the fabric of regional Australia, showcasing everything positive about our communities and local industries,” he said.
“These shows are estimated to contribute $1 billion to the economy each year and attract 6 million patrons annually, supported by 50,000 volunteers.
“They create social bonds and improve mental health in parts of regional Australia where distance, drought, bushfires and now COVID-19 have caused significant hardship and distress.”
This funding complements the Australian Government’s existing $20 million Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program and will be provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors that have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus crisis.
The $36 million Supporting Agricultural Shows program comprises of three components:
• $10 million in operational support for local show societies. Shows will be able to claim up to $10,000 if their attendance last year was less than 2,000, up to $15,000 if their attendance was between 2,000 and 4,999 and up to $70,000 if their attendance was over 5,000.
• $26 million in operational support for Royal Agricultural Show societies which can additionally to claim for unrecoverable costs associated with preparing for the cancelled show.
• $100,000 in operational support for Agricultural Shows Australia’s Rural ambassador program.
All agricultural shows that have cancelled their show in 2020 because of COVID-19 will be eligible and they will not have to compete for assistance.
Eligible reimbursement costs are expected to include: Bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licencing costs, website costs, state/national show body affiliation fees and rent.
For more information on the Fund, visit click here.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Dean Shachar 0418 202 860
Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744
