Joint Media Release from Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management Senator The Hon David Littleproud MP and Senator The Hon Sarah Henderson
The Bendigo Agricultural Show Society and Maldon and Baringhup Agricultural Society will receive more than $240,000 to renew and reinvigorate their show grounds under the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program.
The Bendigo Agricultural Show Society will receive $124,999 for redevelopment of a walkway space into a centralised multipurpose all-weather congregational and eating space at Bendigo Showgrounds, enabling the centralised consolidation of existing seating capacity.
The Maldon and Baringhup Agricultural Society will receive $116,154 to install a generator, switchboards and underground cabling for power and the public address system at Maldon Recreation Reserve. The grant will also support new grandstand seating, picnic tables and chairs, and sheep yard penning.
Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said the grants would benefit both agricultural show societies and regional communities.
“Agricultural shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities. They bring and keep communities together, bridge the divide between country and city and provide a key injection into the local economy,” Minister Littleproud said.
“These events showcase the hard work and innovation that goes into producing Australia’s food and fibre.
“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to these regional events, more local employment, and more purchases for local businesses.
“I’m aware that many regional towns have had to cancel events this year due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
“These grants will help our show societies refurbish their show grounds and facilities, so that when their next event rolls around they will be even more attractive to show goers.
“The Australian Government wants to see our agricultural shows continue to thrive, so that they can be enjoyed by Australians for generations to come.”
Senator Sarah Henderson said the grants would help make the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society and Maldon and Baringhup Agricultural Society shows bigger and better than ever.
“Agricultural shows are so important in regional Victoria and thanks to these grants the next Bendigo Agricultural Show Society and Maldon and Baringhup Agricultural Society shows will be better than ever,” Senator Henderson said.
“I want to congratulate everyone involved in securing this grant which is another example of how the Liberal National Government is investing in regional communities.”
For a full list of successful applicants visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/ag-shows
8 May 2020.