Organisers of the Royal Hobart Show have received $500k to boost the chances of 200th event

Funding from Canberra will cover the overheads associated with the cancellation of this year’s Royal Hobart Show – but organisers are worried it won’t be enough for the 200th show next year.

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FUNDING to cover overheads from 2020 will help organisers put on an event in the Royal Hobart Show’s 200th year but Tasmania’s COVID-19 restrictions could still snuff out their plans.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania has secured a $505,843 bonus from the federal government to help it return strongly in 2021 after being forced to cancel this year’s show.

But Tasmanian Agricultural Shows president Scott Gadd said holding its bicentenary showcase in October next year still hinged on the state government’s COVID-19 events framework.

Under that framework there is a cap of 5000 at outside events. Mr Gadd said show organisers needed a cap of 15,000 to be viable.

“Five other shows have already cancelled because their events for next year because they are spooked by the requirements,” Mr Gadd said.

Royal Hobart Show. Picture: Zak Simmonds

These include the Wynyard Show which is run in March and was the last to be held in Tasmania before the pandemic hit.

“I am hoping to talk to the government soon to see if the framework can be tweaked to allow shows to come back strongly in the new year.”

He said the funding from the federal government would cover the Hobart show’s overheads for this year.

“That is great. We are really keen to mount a show to mark our 200th year but that depends on what conditions we are forced to operate under.”

Tasmanian Senator, Eric Abetz welcomed the funding.

Senator Abetz said the Royal Hobart Show played an important part in bringing the country to the city and showcasing Tasmania’s wonderful produce, animals, craft and art as well as providing entertainment for the whole family.

The funds come from the federal government’s $34 million Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program to ensure agricultural shows bounce back next year.

He said shows provided huge economic spin-offs for local communities as well as opportunities for the businesses and services who exhibit.

“Additionally, agricultural shows and field days contribute more than $1 billion to the economy each year and it is vital for a number of reasons that they are not forced to close due to issues beyond their control,” Senator Abetz said.