COUNTRY shows are part of the fabric of Mallee towns.
For many communities, shoes are the single biggest event of the year.
Labor has ripped that fabric by scrapping funding for the Agricultural Shows Development Grants Program.
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said $14 million in funding for agricultural shows was being “reprioritised”.
What it does show is that regional Australia isn’t Labor’s priority.
On top of scrapping infrastructure funding, they now hit our shows.
Agricultural shows generate $1 billion annually in economic benefits, promoting new technologies and high-quality produce.
For some communities and charities, agricultural shows are the financial boost they need to get them through the year.
Think of local sporting clubs manning the gate to raise much-needed funds, or the Lions Club doughnut vans we see at many of these events.
Scrapping funding puts country shows in jeopardy, and this flows on to local volunteer groups.
Country shows are also the platform for innovation and education, showcasing Australia’s food and fibre while promoting tourism.
Labor needs to explain why it diminishes the importance and value of regional and rural Australia.
What are these “other priorities”?
The Agricultural Shows Development Grants Program funding was on top of $20 million previously provided by the Coalition government for 122 shows to build new pavilions and exhibition areas, install seating, shade and weather protection, upgrade accessibility, improve public safety and animal welfare and upgrade power and energy efficiency.
This funding included more than $1.2 million between the Cohuna and District Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society, Horsham Agricultural Society and the Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society.
We should not be surprised but Labor has again shown absolute contempt for the regions on all fronts.
