450,000 attend 2013 Perth Royal Show

Again boosted by the Western Australian Government's initiative to provide free entry to children, the 2013 Perth Royal Show attracted 450,000 visitors, the second largest Show attendance on record, with visitors attending its eight days and witnessing 392 entertainers, 310 performances and 96 hours of entertainment daily.

Meanwhile, infrastructure ageing at its Claremont Showground site, the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia (RASWA) is considering selling part of its site to create a mixed-use precinct as part of a range of future options.

The RASWA is conducting a review of potential options for the site which include plans for a year round educational facility for agriculture.

While the land sale is one option being considered by the RASWA to generate income, Claremont Mayor Jock Barker told the ABC that the entire 30 hectare site should be used for residential housing and that the Perth Royal Show should be shifted to a new venue.

Mayor Barker stated "it's an inner city asset to the state and it will be developed, whether the RAS believes it or not but in years to come it will be developed."

The ground, bound by Ashton Avenue and Graylands Road, has been home to the Perth Royal Show since 1905.

RASWA President Hugh Harding explained "most definitely it's about looking at the future and economic sense but the Perth Royal Show's staying here."

Western Australian Planning Minister John Day agrees that the Claremont Showground is a prime location, but said the Government has not had a discussion with the RAS about moving.

Minister Day stated "we'd be very unlikely to require the Royal Agricultural Society to move if they didn't want to, I mean having said that I'm sure there are opportunities for better use of some of the land and opportunities for some residential development on that site."

Article amended 13th November 2013.

For more information go to www.perthroyalshow.com.au

3rd July 2012 - WA GOVERNMENT CONTINUES WITH FREE CHILDRENS’ ENTRY TO PERTH ROYAL SHOW