2 August, 2016. 10:02
CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
Organisers of the Queensland Royal Show (also known as the EKKA) have been told today by the Palaszczuk Government that the giant, inconvenient gum tree in the showground’s main arena must remain in the exact same state they found it.
After years of crippling drought in inner-city Brisbane, the gum tree is a result of the fast-growing vegetation that has rapidly appeared following the recent, much-needed rainfall.
However, much like the Western Queensland farmers who will be showcasing their prize livestock over the next month – EKKA organisers have been told that they will have to find a way to work around the vegetation.
Local organiser, Bryce McCartney (56) says it is quite an inconvenience to his operation, especially considering how much money they owe to the bank after all those years of drought.
“I really can see what the farmers are getting at here,” he says.
“We ran this show through thick and thin to keep everyone happy – but now they are pretending that we have always had trees in the middle of the paddock. The showjumping events are going to be very dangerous this year,”
However, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has said that she will not be moved on the new land-clearing laws that are habitually passed every time Labor gains control of the state government.
Speaking to media this morning in a brand new Akubra hat she bought online ahead of next week’s Ekka show, Palaszczuk stated that the newly grown vegetation will give city residents a real insight into Australian agriculture.
“When it comes to Queensland agriculture, you very seldom see a space the size of the RNA main arena without unnecessary scrub,”
“After meeting with our extremely important friends from the Greens, I will not be convinced otherwise. Especially over something as measly as the livelihood of primary producers,”
“The giant, inconvenient, trees that have grown as a result of the recent rainfall will remain. I don’t care if it is in the middle of our most important green spaces”
Hundreds of farmers are expected to march on Parliament this Thursday – the first day of the Royal Queensland Show – to protest against laws they say will stifle the economy and hurt the rural sector.
But Environment Minister Steven Miles, speaking at a National Tree Day event yesterday, said the farmers risked politicising what is meant to be a fun family event.
“When it comes to the Royal Show, farmers are meant to be seen and not heard. How dare they politicise an event that is supposed to highlight their politically-disadvantaged industry.”
“Typical farmers, always trying to make everything about them,”
“Well, I’m sorry. But the Royal Queensland Agricultural Show is not about farmers,”
“It’s about the feral carnies giving away giant stuffed animals and selling speed on the side.”
If you would like to support the farmers, or take part in the march this Thursday. You can contact their organisers here.
That is not a gum tree.
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