A story appeared in last week’s Allora Advertiser from Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, expressing disappointment that grants to agricultural shows are no longer being made available by the Australian Government.
Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has been asked for an explanation as to why the grants have been discontinued and if there is potential for any other funding for the various agricultural societies which run local shows.
Senator Watt issued this statement:
“While there were many competing priorities for funding in the October Agriculture Budget, the Albanese Government’s overriding priority was to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity defences.
This year Australia has faced a number of increased biosecurity threats, including foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease which, if they were to reach our shores, would have a significant impact on our ag industry.
By prioritising biosecurity in the Agriculture Budget, we are protecting the industry and rural communities long term.
The previous Ag Show funding was largely about helping shows survive COVID-19, and that challenge has now been overtaken by other priorities.
The Government is looking at other avenues that may be used to support grants in this space.”
This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 23 November 2022.
Related story: Labor cuts Ag Shows funding
