$25m lifeline: Funding boost to save the Ekka

The Royal Brisbane Show is set to receive a share in a $25 million lifeline designed to keep the tradition of ‘city meets country’ alive.

Brisbane’s iconic Ekka is set to receive a million-dollar lifeline to ensure the royal show can go on.

To keep the tradition of “city meets country” alive, the Federal Government is stumping up $25 million to help more than 300 agricultural shows across the country that were cancelled due to Covid-19 this year.

It includes $12 million to be shared by the Royal Shows, which are based in capital cities.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the Ekka was all about bringing the country to the city.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says $25 million for agricultural shows across the country cancel due to Covid will help keep the traditions alive. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“It’s a tradition that stands 150 years. This funding ensures the Ekka keeps that tradition alive,” he said.

Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra as well as Brisbane Royal Shows all had their shows cancelled due to outbreaks or restrictions.

When the Ekka was cancelled in August it was the second year in a row the RNA had to cancel the beloved event due to Covid-19.

Mr Littleproud said agricultural shows brought “heart, soul and a sense of pride” to towns across the country.

“We are continuing to back these iconic events with a further $25 million to help ease cash flow pressures for event organisers and provide rent relief to our showmen and women who bring life and colour to the shows,” he said.

“Agricultural shows and field days contribute more than $1 billion to the economy annually, attract more than 6 million patrons, and are supported by more than 50,000 volunteers and more than 4,000 showmen and women.”

Katie Clark from the Gold Coast at the 2019 Ekka. Picture: Liam Kidston.

There will be $21 million provided through the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program to cover operational costs of shows cancelled in 2021 due to Covi-19, while another $4 million for the Supporting Showmen and Women Program to go towards reimbursing showground rent.

The Ekka was cancelled due to the Indooroopilly cluster of Covid cases.

RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said at the time that the last-minute cancellation would have “broad-ranging financial impacts”.

The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program provided $34.5 million to 378 show societies impacted by Covid cancellations in 2020.

Originally published as $25m lifeline: Funding boost to save the Ekka