An $85,675 grant will help create a bright future for Pomona Showgrounds, with Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announcing funds for a new lighting system.

Noosa Show Society will receive the funding to reinvigorate the main arena of the Pomona grounds, under the Morrison Government’s $20 million Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program.

Mr O’Brien said the funding would help make the showgrounds safer and more accessible, allowing the region’s agricultural show to be bigger and brighter than ever before.

“The new lighting system will benefit not only the Show and other large-scale events, but will benefit the Pomona community throughout the year and in emergency situations as we saw with the recent bushfires,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This funding from the Federal Liberal National Government means more people will be able to enjoy the use of the Showgrounds, including during the cooler mornings and evenings, for events including everything from gymkhanas to tennis and cricket.”

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 they can be enjoyed by Australians for generations to come.”

For a full list of successful applicants visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/ag-shows

FAST FACTS:

• There are around 580 agricultural shows across Australia.
• Agricultural shows contribute around $965 million to the economy each year.
• Nearly 6 million Australians visit an agricultural show each year.