Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP
Peter Walsh says financial support needed to revive Royal Melbourne Show competitions after being cancelled second year in a row
Cancellation of the Royal Melbourne Show, is taking away good opportunities for the Victorian.
Financial support must be provided to revive the competitions held as part of the Royal Melbourne Show after it was cancelled for the second year in a row. The said event can help attract visitors and boost the economy.
Thousands of people are in casual jobs with little job security during a pandemic, while Victoria plunged into snap lockdown, uncertainty continues for small businesses with a lack of confidence in the government
Opportunity robbed
As Victoria's premiere event to celebrate and showcase the best of Victorian agriculture, the cancellation robs competitors and exhibitors of another opportunity to claim a coveted Melbourne Royal blue ribbon.
It's a prestigious claim to fame and unique promotional tool that helps livestock producers and food and fibre exhibitors, as well as show horse competitors and dog breeders, to stand out from the crowd.
COVID-safe events to deliver
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said support should be delivered for a series of COVID-safe events to ensure the Show will go on. "The Andrews Labor Government is sitting on its hands with no plan while Victorian food and fibre producers are robbed of another opportunity to secure a coveted Melbourne blue," Mr Walsh said.
"Thousands of producers from rural and regional Victoria look forward to the Show each year as a unique chance to demonstrate our world-class food and fibre and compete against the very best in their chosen classes.
"Last year's cancellation - just the third time the Show has been cancelled in 173 years - was devastating for organisers, exhibitors, competitors and sponsors.
Doing the best to fill
"There's no reason we can't hold events, at suitable locations, in a COVID-safe way. This could include holding the equestrian classes at Victoria's international standard equestrian centre at Werribee. The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria is doing its best to fill the void, but after last year's cancelled show and the pressures the COVID pandemic has put on our tourism and major events industries, they can't do it alone."
"The Andrews Labor Government's got to come to the party with a plan to make it happen. Daniel Andrews has wasted billions on metro project cost blow outs and to polish his own public image with secret taxpayer-funded focus groups."
"Failing to swing in behind our agriculture sector at our time of greatest need would be another kick in the guts to rural and regional communities who already feel abandoned by the city-centric Labor Government."
Pictures from Peter Walsh Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
Students from Orbost Community College tour East Gippsland Water facilities to learn about water safety, filtration and potential careers
Drouin wastewater treatment plant instals Australia's largest floating solar array of 644 panels as part of Gippsland Water renewable energy plan
Gippsland Water aids Wellington Mint-bush conservation through genetic research to increasing numbers and diversity
Latrobe City Council launches 'International Connections' book to celebrate 20-year anniversary of sister city agreements
Metung Bowls Club celebrates green upgrade with $200,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria on 14 April 2024