Queensland’s Ag Shows will show-up for 2022 following a backflip by the Palaszczuk Government.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said today’s announcement that restrictions will ease for showgrounds comes just in time for Bundaberg.
“Our Show Societies have been living in limbo for months, pleading with the State Government to show some common-sense and review their unfair mandates,” he said.
“With the Bundaberg Show only weeks away, hard decisions were looming with an over $10K gate security bill to pay.
“Finally the State Government has listened to the people they supposedly represent and reversed their decision on vaccine mandates for our local shows.
“This a huge relief for hundreds of volunteers across the state.
“However this delay has already cost our communities dearly, with some shows forced to cancel or postpone.
“Just days ago, the Premier responded to my Question on Notice about this mandate saying they would not change their mind. *
“This lack of consistency, certainty and transparency is not good enough; Queenslanders deserve better.
“Our shows are a place for people to come together to enjoy what our community has to offer, to display their work and talents, and most importantly a place to support one and other after a difficult few years.
“They are part of the fabric of our small communities, sadly some towns will go without this year.
QLD Ag Shows Burnett Delegate Brianna Hockey said while Queensland Ag Shows welcomes the announcement, the current vaccine mandates have caused a great deal of distress to many thousands of volunteers, staff, exhibitors and patrons.
“The mandates have also resulted in significant financial impacts on these Not-for-Profit community associations who have carried the burden of policing the Government’s mandate,” said Ms Hockey.
“Many Shows across Queensland have already suffered under the inconsistent government mandate and the announcement today will be of no assistance to those committees.
“Locally the change in the mandate requirements will be too late for the Gayndah Show which is being held this weekend and also the Biggenden Show which has been postponed from its traditional date.
“In an average year, Queensland agricultural shows attract 16 million people and represent a $141 million direct economic contribution to local communities.
“It is extremely disappointing that since 17 December 2021 when the directive was first imposed, the state government has not responded to Queensland Ag Shows’ repeated questions as to why these community events were being singled out.”
* QON: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2022/98-2022.pdf
05/04/2022