Queenslanders flock to the EKKA

The 2008 EKKA, held between 7th and 16th August, was a great improvement on last year with fine weather and good attendance - with close to half a million visitors coming to the RNA Showgrounds during the show.

According to Phil Durkin, AALARA Transportable Chair "ride owners reported good spending by visitors providing a much needed improved gross takings compared to 2007."

Durkin (pictured) also reported that the national Audit tool is working well and there was minimal fuss and no notices issued through this year's EKKA.

However, Durkin did express concern over Queensland Workcover's reaction to ride noise levels and a lack of security and police at this year's show, which he suggested was "the result of either user pays or cost cutting", adding "it is not a trend I support and believe to keep the families attending and to provide a safe environment it is important to have these services, particularly at the end of the day when the potential for trouble is greatest."

Durkin concluded that "as the massive amount of machinery roles out of Brisbane heading onto the Adelaide show, it was impressive to see most machinery bumped out without incident. It is a credit to all involved that this work was carried out with such a high level of professionalism."