Ekka ‘on notice’ by farmers irate over revamp of historic dairy sheds at Brisbane Showgrounds

IT’S all sunshine and lollipops for families heading to the Ekka, but behind the scenes a bitter feud is simmering.

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DAIRY farmers are putting the Ekka “on notice” over concerns that a redeveloped animal pavilion will not be suitable for their cattle.

The historic dairy cow sheds at the RNA Showgrounds are due to be demolished after this year’s Ekka and many farmers say they will not bring as many animals to the show next year unless they get more information about the new facility soon.

The Courier-Mail understands the new multipurpose pavilion designed to house the cows during future shows will also be used as a carpark during the year.

Jersey Australia state president Shane Paulger said he did not believe the RNA councillors had consulted “anywhere near enough” on the provision of the new pavilion.

“I think it’s time for the sheds to be updated but I haven’t seen any plans,” he said. “We’re just hoping there’s going to be enough facilities for cows.

“Unless you show dairy cows consistently, you don’t have an understanding of what is required … even if councillors talk to vets, experts or beef farmers it’s not the same.

“I just wonder whether (the RNA) understands how delicate a balance it is shifting dairy cows hundreds of kilometres from a farm to a concrete jungle in the middle of a city.”

Alana Hopkins, 16, of Nambour, with a Holstein dairy cow at the sheds that are to be demolished. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Paulger said he had not missed an Ekka in 59 years but may have to look at more “exhibitor-friendly” shows unless there was a change of focus.

“This is me putting the Ekka on notice,” he said.

NSW jersey farmer Pat McDonald, of Murwillumbah, first attended the Ekka in 1951 and said the purpose-built dairy sheds would be a challenge to replace.

“There’s a lot of history, it’s been a great facility and it will be difficult to replace satisfactorily,” he said.

Daniel Holmes has transported his best Holstein cows from Brookstead, west of Toowoomba, to exhibit at the Ekka for more than a decade but said next year he may bring a smaller team.

“Without knowing exactly what the new facilities are going to be like and how they were function, I’d say we will give it a go but I hope we hear more soon,” he said.

RNA chief executive Brendan Christou was not available for comment last night.

An RNA spokeswoman confirmed the large animal pavilion was part of the showgrounds redevelopment plans announced in 2010.

“Construction is due to commence after this year’s show and the new pavilion will be in use for the 2018 Ekka,” she said.