8 May 2020

The Huon Agricultural Show Society is one of six Tasmanian shows that have secured over $1.2 million in funding from the Morrison Government to transform our regional showgrounds for generations to come.

Work will commence in a matter of weeks at the Huon Agricultural Society’s showgrounds at Ranelagh following the society’s successful application for $290,859 in funding.

The funding is the final piece required to enable the construction of a new $500,000 pavilion at the Charlotte Street entrance to the showground, which is co-funded by the show society and the Huon Valley Council.

The new pavilion creates a much needed all-weather space with options to enclose the large open area when required and new amenities, including 15 new toilets and a new accessible toilet and change area.

This will not only provide for greater capacity come show time for the Huon Agricultural Show, it will also create a bigger and better space for other festivals, markets, ceremonies, concerts and community events.

The Huon Agricultural Society is one of six Tasmanian show societies to receiving funding through the $20 million Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program.

The Tasmanian recipients are Brighton Agricultural Society $90,000, Flinders Island Show Society $123,300, Huon Agricultural Society $290,859, Midlands Agricultural Association Incorporation $499,953, Wynyard Agricultural and Pastoral Society $122,440 and the Longford Show Society $91,627.

Agricultural shows celebrate all that’s special about our rural and regional communities and are a major drawcard for visitors too. Their ability to bring country and city together is unparalleled and an invaluable way of showing Tasmanians the hard-work and passion behind our agricultural communities.

This funding will ensure that many of our regional shows can reinvigorate their grounds with new pavilions, exhibition areas seating, accessibility upgrades, or improved safety and livestock areas.

Importantly, at a time when many shows have been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, this funding will ensure the events can come back bigger and better than ever before.