Short deal for show prompts concern

In a report, council officers raised “concerns about financial analysis” underpinning the roll out of the showground master plan and thought “more robust modelling” was needed.

“The initial financial analysis raises serious concerns about the financial viability of the existing operations on site.”

In 2017 the council made a move to relocate the Cairns Show from its Cairns Showground home to the Cannon Park racecourse but the show association refused to budge.

Mr Allen said he felt confident the show would remain at the showground beyond the three-year permit announced yesterday.

“The State Government have told us a number of times we will always remain at the site at Parramatta Park,” he said.

However he feared the shortened time frame would make it difficult to secure funding for projects such as a replacement grandstand roof and pavilion upgrades.

“No one is going to lend us money with a three-year permit,” he said.

“We need a long-term lease so we can source that funding. We’re certainly disappointed.”

Cairns MP Michael Healy said he was also dismayed at the decision.

“The show association needs a fairly long tenure to be able to secure and build economic confidence,” he said.

“I am disappointed, I would have thought a 15-year lease at a minimum and a 30-year lease as a maximum would have been sufficient.”

A council spokesman said as soon as the requested modelling and financial analysis was completed there would be talks with the show association and State Government to negotiate long-term tenure.

“It is recommended that further, more robust modelling be performed prior to the long term tenure arrangements being resolved,” a council report said.