The McGowan Government has provided certainty to the thousands of families that visit the Royal Show each year, confirming the much loved event will continue to operate from its home at Claremont Showground.
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.
Since 2018, the McGowan Government has contributed $1.5 million, over three years, towards the Royal Show.
This year, $650,000 of the original $1.5 million grant, has been allocated to provide subsidised tickets for children and community groups, who may not normally be able to access the event.
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.
This year’s Royal Show runs from September 28 to October 5 2019.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“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.
“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.”
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The Claremont Showground is the rightful home for the Show and with the rejuvenation of the football oval next door and development in the surrounding area, it will remain a popular location as a community and entertainment asset.
“Close to our excellent public transport network, the showground is a community asset that provides important facilities for both metropolitan and regional communities and exhibitors.
“The Planning Commission will work with the Royal Agricultural Society to finalise the management plan to facilitate some development opportunities, while retaining the show grounds.
“This will create a more financially sustainable future while allowing the Showground to proceed with some new developments and opportunities.
“The Royal Show is much loved by my three kids, and I’m looking forward to many more visits with them to the iconic Claremont Showground over the coming years.”
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The Perth Royal Show connects Perth to agriculture every year, and the central location of the Showground is important to the ongoing role of the Show in linking the city and the country.
“RASWA has done a fantastic job promoting agriculture for more than a century, and are constantly reviewing and reinventing the way they engage: all building on the intergenerational connection with Claremont Showground.”
