The spending is not going to stop until the election is run as the sitting Federal Government splashes another $15.4 million on agriculture shows
It is indicated the program is only available to country Agricultural shows and does not include Capital City Royal Shows or Field Day events. So maybe a few votes lost there.
But with a break-up of approximately 40 Field Days and Royal City Shows compared to the 580-plus country Ag Shows, the coalition government looks likely to win the majority of votes from this hand-out.
As far as country Agricultural shows are concerned, they simply have to put a proposal for the support repairs, upgrades, building or buying showground infrastructure or attractions for their showground. And get in before the funds run out.
This hand-out under the sitting Liberal – National Government is for a second round of the oversubscribed Agricultural Shows Development Grant Program.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the funding would support the growth and long-term sustainability of this important industry.
“Show societies will be able to use these funds to upgrade or repair showground infrastructure,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The grants provide regional communities with the opportunity to make showground facilities safe, attractive and accessible for showground users and the 6 million annual visitors.
Agricultural shows are important as they are a driver for innovation and education, they showcase Australia’s food and fibre, and support local economies.
“They generate $1 billion for regional Australia in economic benefits, they’re supported by around 50,000 volunteers, and most importantly, they play an important role in the social and economic fabric of regional Australia.
“The last couple of years have seen unprecedented disruptions to agricultural shows, and this is our way of helping out,” Minister Littleproud added.
Agricultural shows across Australia, except the Capital City Royal Shows, will be able to apply for this program.
No direct application access has been given to apply for this grant, but previously the Agricultural Shows grants information was available on the Community Grants Hub website on this link.
Grants already made to Ag Shows and field days:
· The sitting Liberal – National Government has provided almost $100 million in support for agricultural shows and field days:
· $15.4 million for Round 2 of the Agricultural Shows Development Grant Program.
· $20 million under Round 1 of the Regional Agricultural Shows Development Grant Program.
· $34.7 million under Round 1 of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.
· $21 million under Round 2 of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program. · $8.3 million under the Supporting Agricultural Showmen and Women program.
