Local agricultural show societies in the New England could be eligible for a share of $10 million in Australian Government one-off payments to help them recover from the impacts of cancellations due to COVID-19.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said eligible local shows could receive a reimbursement of up to $70,000 under the Supporting Agricultural Shows program.

“This is fantastic news for our many hardworking show society volunteers who because of COVID-19 were unable to stage a show for their communities this year,” Mr Joyce said.

“Agricultural shows play an important civic role in many country towns so it’s integral we do as much as we can to keep them going during this time of need.

“The Government is reimbursing shows for costs incurred in 2020 and funds will be paid in 2021 and I encourage local show societies to check their eligibility and apply when the grants open.”

Non-capital city shows will be able to claim up to $10,000 if their attendance is less than 2,000, up to $15,000 if their attendance is between 2,000 and 4,999 and up to $70,000 if their attendance is over 5,000.

The new funding forms part of $36 million Australian Government investment to support show societies recover from the effects of COVID-19, ensuring they can continue after the pandemic.

The Supporting Agricultural Shows program also provides $100,000 to Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) for its National Rural Ambassador competition in 2020-21.

Additionally, it complements the Government’s existing $20 million Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program which recently delivered $122,755 for Manilla Show Society’s grandstand upgrade.

The new grants will be provided under the $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors that have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus crisis.

(ENDS)