Decision on the Royal Hobart Show to be made by June 1

If the Royal Hobart Show is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic it could put the state’s other 23 agricultural shows at risk. FIND OUT WHEN A FINAL DECISION IS DUE >>

THE cancellation of this year’s Hobart Show could trigger the collapse of Tasmania’s carnival season as organisers explore government funding options to keep the tradition alive.

Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania CEO Scott Gadd said the Royal Hobart Show underpinned the state’s other 23 agricultural shows, so if it was axed the others would struggle to go ahead.

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“The carnival workers and showbag vendors all come to do a full circuit of the state, and so do some of the big commercial vendors,” Mr Gadd said.

“So if Hobart is cancelled, then Launceston and Burnie, the economics of bringing in rides and showbags and everything else just doesn’t add up, and they won’t come at all.”

He said he was not confident social distancing would be relaxed enough by October, when the show is due, to enable crowds of up to 10,000 people.

Siblings Beatrice and Ethan enjoying a dagwood dog at the 2019 Royal Hobart Show. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

The Royal Queensland, Melbourne and Sydney Easter shows were all cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, with a decision on the Hobart event to be made by June 1.

Restrictions on outdoor gatherings were lifted to up to 10 people on Monday, and are due to increase again from next month under the Tasmanian Government’s three-stage Roadmap to Recovery.

Mr Gadd said RAST was still trying to find a way for the Royal Hobart Show to proceed, but ruled out an Agfest-style virtual event as it would not generate enough income to pay for itself.

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Agricultural Shows Australia, the peak body representing royal and country shows across the nation, on Monday called on the Federal Government to invest in a $42.4 million support package to ensure the survival of the events beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

They want the money to pay for the various organising societies’ overheads, such as power and rates, to keep them alive until next year.

“The organisers can go into hibernation quite effectively, they’re mostly volunteer-based,” Mr Gadd said.

“They’re all not-for-profits, they only make money in order to keep ticking over for next year.”

Madeline Szymansk with Bella the 5-week-old calf. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

ASA estimates shows contribute approximately $1 billion to the national economy, with 580 local, regional or state shows held in Australia each year.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the Federal Government would consider any request based on merit, but expected the ASA and RAST to engage state and local governments for support as well.

Tasmanian Small Business Minister Sarah Courtney expressed sadness that another beloved Tasmanian event was facing cancellation.

“We’ll continue to monitor the situation, for events such as the Hobart Show. We will work with them on Public Health advice on what’s most appropriate, and ensure that when we are able to get through and recover from coronavirus, we have opportunities and options for these types of events that are safe,” she said.

The RAST said it would still proceed with its $200 million redevelopment plans of the Hobart Showground.