A new grants program to help regional communities continue to stage their local agricultural shows has been announced by the Prime Minster, Scott Morrison.
The Department of Agriculture’s Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants (AgShows) Program includes a $20 million allocation to reinvigorate showgrounds and help boost regional communities.
Mr Morrison said agricultural shows were at the heart and soul of regional communities, helping to bring people together and keep them together.
“Agricultural shows are also important events that encourage people from cities and regional centres to better understand where their food and fibre comes from,” Mr Morrison said.
“For so many areas tackling drought at the moment, Agricultural shows are an important investment in local communities including through the tourism they can attract.”
He said local show societies and State and Territory agricultural show peak bodies could be eligible to receive grants of up to $500,000 to upgrade, maintain, buy or build new showground infrastructure and attractions.
Minister for Agriculture, Senator Bridget McKenzie said agricultural shows were part of Australia’s national identity and significant cultural and economic contributors to hundreds of communities across Australia.
“Most of the 580 agricultural shows held annually in Australia are regionally based and they bring communities closer together especially in times of drought and other hardships,” Senator McKenzie said.
“We know that showgrounds regularly face challenges of ageing infrastructure and expensive repair bills.”
Applications close on 13 December, with successful applicants expected to be announced in the first half of 2020.