The Australian Government has announced a $2.7 million boost for agricultural field days to ensure they can continue to showcase innovation and support regional communities after the pandemic.
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz has welcomed additional Australian Government support for regional ‘field days’, building on previous support announced to help local show society’s that have had to cancel in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Buchholz said ag shows and field day events played a vital role in the Wright community and economy.
“It is very disappointing for all of us that many of our great local shows in Wright have not been able to go ahead this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“This Federal Government support is about helping our show societies to ensure the show can go on. We want to make sure shows are there on the other side, so volunteers, exhibitors and residents can look forward to and attend future shows,” Mr Buchholz said.
“As a regional member of parliament, I know the importance of our local shows and strongly believe in ensuring they’re supported in the tough times and the good times.
“They’re important to our community, our economy and in ensuring the benefits and critical importance of rural and regional areas are known,” Mr Buchholz said.
Earlier this year, the Morrison Government committed $36 million to support agricultural show societies to recover from the effects of COVID-19.
“This announcement builds on that funding, helping our ag shows and field days into the future, easing the immediate cash flow pressures and providing assistance for the fixed costs associated with cancellations in 2020,” said Mr Buchholz.
“We know that agricultural shows contribute around $1 billion to the Australian economy each year.
“Locally, our shows in the Lockyer, Logan, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast attract thousands of people each year. That supports the show society’s and all the associated businesses, from those operating rides, food vendors and of course stall holders,” Mr Buchholz said.
The initiative is part of the Australian Government’s $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors severely affected by the pandemic.
Mr Buchholz said it is anticipated that applications will open via the Community Grants Hub in September 2020, with payments commencing soon afterwards.
Fast facts:
- The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program 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.
- The $2.7 million for Field Days is in addition to the $36.3 million for Agricultural Shows.
- Field Days could be eligible to claim reimbursement costs including bank fees, utilities, rates, insurance, fire alarms and equipment, cleaning supplies, telecommunications, IT system licensing costs, website costs, state/national show body affiliation fees and rent.
For more information, visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/supporting-ag-shows
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