An elected Coalition Government will undo Labor’s cruel cuts to regional Agricultural Shows and invest $20 million over three years for upgrades.
Regional Australia has been left behind by the Albanese Labor Government. Labor cut round 2 of the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants in the October 2022-23 Budget and never reinstated it.
The grants can be used to upgrade or build new infrastructure in showgrounds such as lighting, seating, pavilions, yards and showrings and for the development of new attractions on showgrounds.
The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said only the Coalition will back Australia’s regional communities.
“Life is harder for regional Australians under the Albanese Labor Government. We know that Agricultural Shows bring communities and industries together, while supporting local families and businesses. We know they are particularly important during times of hardship such as drought, but many showgrounds have old infrastructure creating barriers for communities. This investment is part of the Coalition’s plan to get the regions back on track.”
Leader of The Nationals, the Hon David Littleproud MP, said the funding commitment is crucial to the sustainability of our beloved Agricultural Shows.
“All Aussies love an Agricultural Show and the Coalition is supporting them, which, in turn, helps support the agriculture industry’s target farm gate output of $100 billion by 2030.
“The announcement today will allow Agricultural Shows to invest in the improvements they need, attracting more events and more locals and making them sustainable for the future.
“While we all love showbags and rides, Agricultural Shows play a much more important role. Agricultural Shows generate nearly $1 billion in economic benefits, are visited by six million people and are supported by more than 50,000 volunteers every year.
“Regional country show grounds play an integral role, not only to the local communities they serve, but to the success of the wider agricultural industry. This announcement is a win for Agricultural Shows and a win for our regional communities.”