Fields days is huge economic boost to Richmond

A candid Shire Mayor John Wharton said he was as far from an economist as one might imagine but insisted the forthcoming Richmond Agents Field Days event would leave positive financial legacy.

"The whole event could bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe even millions," Councillor Wharton said.

"The Field Days have been going for many years and it was disappointing that we couldn't have it last year due to COVID. However, I think it will be bigger and better, especially with the Federal Budget announcement about tax write-offs for machinery.

"The season hasn't been that good out here but cattle prices have been very good and if people aren't spending money they'll be paying tax and at other Field Day weekends prime movers sold, tractors worth $150,000 were bought and then there's the motorbikes and buggies.

"When you consider those purchases and orders that will be delivered during the weekend, the amount of money changing hands could be enormous.

"We have 156 motel units with ensuites in Richmond and they will all be booked out.

"This is great for our community. It brings a lot of money into the town and puts the whole shire up for presentation. The race meeting is a beauty. It's one of the biggest out in the west.

"It's a great weekend and I would advise anybody to make the effort and come along because the Richmond Field Days have been recognised for quality over a long time."

Field Days coordinator Kacie Lord said the level of corporate support was nothing short of fabulous with a string of sponsors including Southern Gulf NRM, Stockplace Marketing, Elders, Kennedy Rural, Ray White Rural, Carey Group, Charters Towers Toyota, Honeycombes Sales & Service, Rabobank and R&F Steel.

"There is so much work which goes into the Field Days by a great deal of people and it works because of that spirit and support," she said.

"It is a great occasion for our community."