With around 580 shows across Australia, and drawing in nearly 6 million visitors in total, upgrades, and maintenance of aging facilities as well as the construction of new infrastructure is crucial for the sustainability of rural showgrounds. The Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program is injecting $20 million into 122 regional agricultural show societies, including Bedgerabong PA & H Association Inc.
The upgrades at the Bedgerabong Showgrounds will include the development of a multipurpose livestock facility, fence repairs, installation of barriers and an upgrade to the watering system.
Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said the grants would also serve as a much needed cash injection in the wake of recent bushfires and the COVID-19 outbreak which has seen agricultural shows, a major drawcard for visitors, cancelled Australia-wide with a loss of roughly $965 million to the economy.
“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to these regional events, more local employment, and more tills ringing in local businesses,” said David. “Ag shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities. They bring and keep communities together, link the country to the city and provide a key boost to these local economies.”