Ballarat Showgrounds

rdf:langString Ballarat Showgrounds

rdf:langString The Ballarat Showgrounds (officially Ballarat Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve) is a multi-purpose venue in Wendouree, a suburb of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, owned by the City of Ballarat and since 1934, the home of the Ballarat Show and agricultural show (an official public holiday in Ballarat). The focus of the Ballarat Show is the display of rural industry, including livestock and produce, with associated competitions and awards. The show also features amusement rides, a sideshow alley and showbags, which are carry-bags full of novelties and sweet-treats produced by various commercial enterprises. The facilities are used all year round for Trash and Treasure market (since 1979) as well as occasional collectors markets, show and shine displays and other events. In 2013-2014, the City of Ballarat initially proposed to redevelop the showgrounds, and in 2015 the council and agricultural society further proposed relocation of the showgrounds to Victoria Park in Newington. During the state election of 2014, the Andrews Government committed $5.5 million (AUD) toward the development of the showgrounds. In 2017 the Agricultural Society in consultation with the Ballarat Council agreed that the existing showgrounds would be redeveloped and proceeds from the sale of the existing land coupled with monies committed from the state government would be used to develop a newer and larger facility at a greenfield site 3 km north of the existing site by 2022.