Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies
Zark Consultancy has been working with Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies Inc. (QCAS) for the past six months on a study about the Economic & Social Impact of Australian Agricultural Shows.
The study set out to identify and measure the economic and social impact of Australian agricultural shows with the aim of providing valuable information to those who support the show movement through participation, sponsorship and volunteerism.
The study found that Australia’s 587 agricultural shows collectively attract more than 5.9 million people a year and deliver an economic impact of at least $965 million per annum.
Released during the Brisbane Ekka, the study reveals that while visitor numbers to Queensland’s agricultural shows have increased by 13.7% over the past three years, overall visitor numbers and the show movement in general are in decline with fewer shows operating and fewer people attending shows than 12 years ago.
The report explains “agricultural shows have been part of the Australian culture since 1822 and are strongly connected to local communities through volunteerism and the educational, competitive and cultural experiences they provide.”
The report present governments and community stakeholders with a clearer understanding of how the show movement plays an important role in increasing social capital and economic development. It also highlights the importance of recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers and that “without them the show movement will definitely cease to exist.”