‘Critical’ to Ekka’s survival: Cash coming to keep royal show alive
The Brisbane Show must go on after an unprecedented two cancellations in as many years, with the Federal Government making a critical funding injection.
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A “big, bold” Ekka will be able to go ahead this year after a $6.5 million grant to help out the royal show after it was cancelled twice in as many years.
The RNA boss Brendan Christou described the funding as critical to ensuring the beloved agricultural show, which has been bringing the country to the city for 145 years, stays alive.
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud will today announce the $6.5 million grant, saying the Ekka is worth $200 million to the economy and generates 3500 jobs.
“The 2021 Ekka was cancelled at short notice to ensure the health and safety of the public. This was the second year in a row the Ekka was cancelled due to COVID-19,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Continued support for iconic events, such as the Ekka with its 145-year history, will contribute to the sustainability of agricultural show societies and the events they hold in 2022 and beyond.
“Not only are these events essential for agricultural businesses, but they also celebrate the vibrancy of Australian culture from our rural traditions to our modern-day lifestyles and provide unique experiences for the six million people who attend annually.”
Mr Christou said it would be a historic return for the Ekka when it comes to Brisbane again this August.
“This funding is vital, provides certainty for our not-for-profit sector and is critical to ensuring the agricultural show movement stays alive,’’ Mr Christou said.
“This funding will cover the Ekka 2021 operational and fixed costs we incurred due to the show being cancelled for the second year in a row and will greatly assist our financial recovery as we move forward.”
The grant comes from round two of the Federal Government’s Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.
It is providing $13.1 million in funding for capital city royal shows, half of which is going towards the Ekka.
The Ekka was cancelled last year due to the Indooroopilly cluster of Covid-19 cases, as well as in the early days of the pandemic in 2020.
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