annual report 2007 where City meets Country - the RNA

On ShowYour space and your place of tomorrowThe RNA Showgrounds is Brisbane’s last major inner city developmentopportunity available for public enjoyment and activity. What happens herewill be pivotal to the evolution of Brisbane as a culturally exciting destination.The EkkA is here to stay. While the event is a wonderful celebration of competitiThroughout 2007, the RNA, in conjunction withthe Queensland Government’s Office of UrbanManagement, has been working diligently with a numberof stakeholders to align the Queensland Government’sBowen Hills Transit Orientated Developmentdemonstration project and the newly revised RNAShowgrounds Development Scheme Strategy.These plans will form a Development Scheme for theBowen Hills Urban Development Area, which includesthe RNA Showgrounds.The RNA Showgrounds is critical to the prosperity of theBowen Hills Transport Orientated Development MasterPlanning scheme and will become the vital link betweenBowen Hills, Fortitude Valley and Herston.The newly formed Urban Land Development Authoritywill have the role of planning, carrying out, promotingand controlling the development of land within thedeclared Urban Development Areas.Why we need to rejuvenate the RNAShowgrounds and the EkkAThe EkkA is here to stay. While the event is a wonderfulcelebration of competition, cultural tradition andlearning, it needs to evolve to attract new markets.The EkkA brand is strong. However, with risingoperational costs and a competitive market which seessome historical themes no longer relevant with today’syounger demographic, means the EkkA product mustcontinually evolve. We need to embrace the traditionsof this wonderful EkkA event, without becoming ‘stuck’in the past.Our showcase exhibition spaces such as the IndustrialPavilion and Beef/Dairy Pavilions are in particularneed of change and improvement. Development ofthese key spaces will result in improvements for livestockand exhibitors at Showtime, and will have a greater