Future of Royal Show secured

THE State Government has declared the Royal Show will remain at its Claremont Showground home.

As reported by Community News in July, there was speculation the Show could be shunted from its long-time home.

But the State Government says the Show is going nowhere.

Premier Mark McGowan toured the showgrounds today, along with Planning Minister Rita Saffioti and Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan, to announce the State Government will work with the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia (RASWA) to help create a sustainable future for the iconic venue.

The Western Australian Planning Commission is working with the RASWA and the Town of Claremont to finalise the Claremont Showground Management Plan.

When complete this will help secure the Claremont Showground site as an important community asset and entertainment venue, providing certainty for future events.

Town of Claremont chief executive Liz Ledger said today the Town looked forward to being part of improving the facility and how it supported agriculture in WA.

“We look forward to working with the State Government and Royal Agricultural Society of WA  to realise this for the benefit of the wider community,” Ms Ledger said.

However, in July, Claremont councillors recommended the West Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) find a new home for the showgrounds.

This year’s Royal Show runs from September 28 to October 5.

“The Claremont Showground has been home to the Perth Royal Show for more than 100 years and many Western Australians have fond memories of visiting,” Mr McGowan said.

“Today’s announcement puts to rest any uncertainty about the future of the showground, enables the Royal Agricultural Society of WA to look at exciting and modern opportunities to maximise the site’s full potential.

“Last year more than 40,000 people were able to access the Royal Show due to the first year of the funding secured through Lotterywest. I’m looking forward to seeing more people visiting and being able to see the great produce and agriculture WA has to offer.”

A breakdown of allocated tickets for 2019 includes:

• Half Price Kids Day – (October 3) children to receive half price admission when they obtain their ticket at the gate; • Half Price Seniors Day – (October 4) seniors card holders to receive half price admission when they obtain their ticket at the gate; • Children with disability and their families – families to attend an early opening of the Animal Nursery where attendees will also get a showbag and food voucher; • Multicultural groups – 10,000 entry tickets • Indigenous groups – children and carers including a showbag and food voucher; and • Regional WA families – 2,500 tickets distributed via Regional Agricultural Societies.