RAST to appeal ruling on live music

THE Royal Agricultural Show Society of Tasmania will appeal some of the conditions of approval for its development application for the show’s redevelopment, including one prohibiting live music.

The application, which was approved on Monday, is for the demolition of the building and facilities on site, to make way for new ones.

New facilities will include a two-storey mixed-use building, community spaces and a small hostel, an arena and a motorhome park.

On Monday the council added a number of conditions, including one which would prohibit outdoor live music events at the arena because of noise concerns.

The condition was amended to allow for the possibility of live music events being approved under a future planning application.

Royal Agricultural Show Society of Tasmania chief executive Scott Gadd said the organisation would appeal the condition.

“We don’t see these matters as major impediments, although one condition which precludes outdoor music on our new arena would seriously curtail our ability to put on entertainment for young people and families, as we have traditionally done onsite,” Mr Gadd said.

The council received no objections or other representations from the community in relation to the development application.

Mr Gadd said the redevelopment would make the show financially secure.

“What will be Tasmania’s most advanced and modern agricultural showground here in Hobart means we’ve secured the future of the 200year-old Royal Hobart Show,” he said.

The 2022, 2023 and 2024 instalments of the show will be interrupted as a result of the redevelopment and will in part be held at the Regatta Grounds.

“The show is not disappearing, but it needs to temporarily relocate while we build the new showground arena and pavilion,” Mr Gadd said.