Important Locational Changes for Ekka 2012

After seven years of planning, construction on the world-class $2.9 billion 15 year RNA Showgrounds Regeneration Project - the most significant urban renewal in Brisbane since Southbank - began in April 2011.

The first stage of the project involves the transformation of the Industrial Pavilion into our new $59 million Royal International Convention Centre (RICC).

I am pleased to advise the centre's ground floor will be back in use for this year's Royal Queensland Show (Ekka). The RICC will officially open in March 2013.

As part of the regeneration, several buildings were removed after Ekka 2011. These included the Agricultural Hall and the Douglas Wadley Dog Pavilion, which will result in locational changes for some competitions for Ekka 2012.

This year, the Canine Competition, Agricultural Hall and the Flower and Garden Exhibit will be located on the ground floor of the RICC. Similar to last year, showbags will return to the sideshow alley entertainment precinct, while Fine Arts will remain on the ground floor of the Walter Burnett Building. A special map (overleaf) provides more details.

Competitions lie at the heart of the Ekka and will continue to be a major part of the show throughout the 15 year regeneration project. The RNA is committed to ensuring competitions remain as popular as ever and provide 10 days of quality judging and outstanding contests.

The ground floor of the RICC will be a fantastic exhibition space and the completion of this section is an exciting step forward in this historic project.

The success of last year's Ekka demonstrated how the state's largest annual event can operate throughout the regeneration project, with construction timed to minimise disruption to the show.

The regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds is important for the community as it guarantees the Ekka remains at its rightful birthplace and provides great facilities for animals and their owners to enjoy. The project safeguards the legacy of our 22 hectare site while transforming the grounds into a lifestyle and cultural hub for the community to access all year round.

Please download the fact sheets for more information.

New Locations for Canine and Agricultural Hall Exhibits

Special Message from the RNA

Click here to download a map displaying public car parking options located near the RNA Showgrounds.

Click here to download a map displaying the layout of the Canine and Agricultural displays in the Royal International Convention Centre at Ekka 2012.