Brighton Agricultural Society angry about having to foot $21k bill

The organisers of the Brighton Show say their local council is trying to squeeze out their annual event.

It comes after the Brighton Council ordered the Brighton Agricultural Society to pay $21,641.31 for damage to Gunn Oval at Pontville Park on November 9 last year.

The damage was caused by the trucks that were on display at that year’s Brighton Show.

Brighton Council staff had initially recommended that the show society pay half the bill and that ratepayers fork out the rest.

But that suggestion was voted down by councillors, who instead voted to make the society pay the full amount for the damage.

The Brighton Agricultural Society offered to pay $8000 towards the repairs, arguing it could have done them for cheaper.

Society President Geoff Jackson said around a third of the oval had been damaged by the trucks.

“We knew there was some damage there and we admitted that it was our fault,” Mr Jackson said.

“But we don’t see why, if it’s a third of the oval, why we’ve got to pay the total amount to repair.”

Mr Jackson said that the show society was a big part of the community and that they supported local organisations.

“I’ll be very honest, some of the councillors want the show gone – they don’t want it at all.

“If you listen to the council meeting, Deputy Mayor Barbara Curran said it costs the council $400,000, and she doesn’t want the show here.”

Brighton Council CEO James Dryburgh said that the decision is about ensuring responsible use of shared community assets. 

“When damage occurs as a result of an event, it’s reasonable that those costs are not passed on to ratepayers.

“Council already provides significant annual support to the Show, contributing around $40,000 each year through funding and in-kind assistance, and this decision reflects a balance between that support and the responsibility to protect public infrastructure for all users.”

Mr Dryburgh said the damage to Gunn Oval was significant enough to impact other scheduled sporting activities.

“Council’s role is to ensure these shared spaces remain available and safe for everyone, and that one event does not inadvertently limit access for others. 

“The expectation that event organisers carry appropriate insurance and adhere to agreed conditions is a standard and necessary part of managing public assets responsibly.”

He said that Council remains committed to working constructively with the Agricultural Society to support the Show's future.

“We value the event and want to see it continue to thrive.

“This is demonstrated by our current master plan project, which consulted with the Show Society and plans for their long-term use of the site.

“We will continue to work with the Society to ensure future events are planned in a way that mitigates the risk of damage, so the Show and other community activities can continue side by side.”