BRISBANE, Queensland, Nov. 3 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers

The Honourable Ann Leahy

* The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland's agricultural shows,delivering $2.5 million through the 2026-27 Show Societies Grants Program. * The critical funding supports 127 annual agricultural shows across the state and supports the peak body for agricultural show societies. * Queensland's Ag Shows received the first permanent funding boost in nearly 20 years under the Crisafulli Government. * TheCrisafulli Government is backing Queensland's regional and rural communities and delivering better services through a stronger economy, after a decade of decline under Labor.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering $2.5 million through the 2026-27 Show Societies Grants Program, backing 127 agricultural shows and the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies.

The former Labor Government failed to deliver lasting funding support for Queensland Ag Shows, leaving show societies struggling and regional communities to bear the cost of Labor's neglect.

The Crisafulli Government delivered the first permanent funding boost for Queensland Ag Shows in nearly 20 years, committing an additional $500,000 annually to bring total funding to $2.5 million.

The increasedfunding will help cover operating costs and maintain and improve showground infrastructure, ensuring these much-loved events can continue bringing communities together and celebrating Queensland's agricultural heritage.

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was backing Queensland's agricultural showsandsupporting the volunteers who bring communities together.

"From the smallest country show to some of our state's largest events, agricultural shows are woven into the fabric of Queensland communities and celebrate the industries that help drive our state," Minister Leahy said.

"After years of Labor neglect, the Crisafulli Government delivered the first permanent funding boost for Queensland Ag Shows in nearly 20 years.

"Our government is backing Queensland's regional volunteers with a much-needed funding boost to help agricultural shows grow, thrive and bring communities together for generations to come."

Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies President David Wilson welcomed the Queensland Government's continued funding and the permanent increase to the grants program.

"Agricultural shows are run by dedicated committees and volunteers who work tirelessly to bring their communities together and celebrate our agricultural industries," Mr Wilson said.

"These events attract thousands of visitors, support local businesses and provide an important showcase for regional Queensland.

"This funding provides certainty for show societies and helps them maintain the facilities and infrastructure needed to continue delivering successful agricultural shows for their communities," he said.

To find out more about the Show Societies Grant Program visit: www.dlgwv.qld.gov.au/local-government/for-councils/grants/current-programs/show-societies-grants-program

ENDS

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