The RoyAl NAtional AgRicultural and iNdustRiAl AssociAtioN of QueeNsland annual report 2012 1 ANNUAL REPORT 2012 RNA PRESIDENT’S REPORT PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2 Change brings RNA Showgrounds Regeneration Project opportunity. Almost a decade ago we set out to HIGHLIGHTS 3 2012 was a year build on our strong foundation with two of significant MISSION, VISION AND VALUES 4 critical goals in mind—to keep the Royal change for The Queensland Show (Ekka) at its birthplace, RNA CORPORATE 6 Royal National the RNA Showgrounds, and cement Agricultural the long-term financial viability of the THROUGH THE YEARS 10 and Industrial association so that the RNA can continue Association of Queensland (RNA) to fulfil its charter. ROYAL QUEENSLAND SHOW / and a year where we pursued every EKKA 14 opportunity. The RNA’s regeneration project resulted. RNA SHOWGROUNDS 20 We continued with our efforts to unlock Approved in November 2010 with the ROYAL INTERNATIONAL the potential of the RNA Showgrounds ground broken in April the following year, CONVENTION CENTRE 22 for the benefit of all stakeholders and the 2012 focused on redeveloping the iconic community at large, while staying true Industrial Pavilion to create the world- 2 ROYAL QUEENSLAND to the association’s charter. class convention centre. FOOD AND WINE SHOW 26 Your association made significant Other stage one works undertaken DIGITAL INTERACTION 28 headway on the $2.9 billion RNA during the year included the removal of OFFICE BEARERS 31 Showgrounds Regeneration Project— several buildings allowing construction the largest Brownfield development of the Plaza fronting the convention IN MEMORIAM 32 of its kind in Australia. centre to commence, $7 million in enabling infrastructure works to improve GOVERNANCE 34 We watched the local landscape change stormwater and sewage, and the start considerably as construction of the ANNUAL REPORT 2012 REPORT ANNUAL of construction of The Green—a 356 FINANCIAL REPORT 44 $59 million Royal International Convention apartment residential complex being RNA Centre (RICC) progressed. A critical CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT 70 developed by Lend Lease. project for the association, RICC will continue to be a focal point in 2013 as In the coming year, efforts will be directed the centre welcomes its first clients in to developing a hotel on site and creating a February and celebrates its official opening series of special public spaces connected in June following completion of the Plaza. by a network of lanes and a main street through the RNA Showgrounds. Your Council took important steps to create a strong diversified business with Royal International Convention Centre— a revitalised focus. This included a period Brisbane Australia of intense strategic planning to ensure The year began with the official launch the RNA is on track to realise its vision. of RICC’s name and the first look inside in February. Visitors to the 2012 Ekka We enjoyed solid and consistent were the first to experience and enjoy performance in a year where we invested this much anticipated facility with the heavily in the RNA Showgrounds, centre’s ground floor home to The Royal our business and our workforce. Queensland Dog Show, the popular Agricultural Hall and horticultural It has been one of the most hectic, exhibits. but also one of the most satisfying years in the history of the RNA. 400,000 attended the Ekka for the third year in a row 400% increase in Ekka ticket pre-sales Designed as a multi-purpose venue, We believe the RNA Showgrounds and Construction began RICC is capable of holding more than the Ekka are important to Queenslanders. on the 7,000m2 $7.7 million Plaza a dozen events at any one time across They are both part of our short history. its three exhibition halls, seven meeting During the year the RNA was inducted rooms and two boardrooms. It is expected into the Queensland Business Leaders RNA inducted into the to attract about 140 events in its first Hall of Fame in recognition of the Queensland Business nine months, worth approximately contribution it has made to our great $20 million to the local economy. state. Your Council is very aware of the Leaders Hall of Fame responsibility it has to preserve the As we prepare for the centre’s opening, association’s traditions now and for The Ekka launched the RNA’s focus has turned to the future generations of Queenslanders. operational execution of our strategic Australia’s first plans. Committed to delivering superior Moving forward, we are focused on free interactive fireworks client service, the team is working hard striking the perfect balance between iPhone app to ensure RICC offers a unique and a thriving Ekka, a year-round events quality event experience: one that our program and the emergence of a vibrant Turnover increased to almost 3 competitors will find hard to match. mixed use urban community. $24 million Continuing to shape our future I would like to take this opportunity The aim of the regeneration project to thank my fellow RNA Councillors who give so generously of their time, Venue hire revenue (excluding the Ekka) is to secure the Ekka’s location at the increased by 119 per cent since 2009 to RNA Showgrounds, and to maintain the enthusiasm and wise counsel and also country and city links by holding the show thank and acknowledge the tremendous $7.9 million at its original inner city location first efforts of the RNA’s highly energetic established 137 years ago. and motivated team, most ably led by Chief Executive Brendan Christou. RNA received the ANNUAL REPORT 2012 REPORT ANNUAL As we progress with our plans, we Special thanks also to the RNA’s Peter Doherty Science RNA recognise there are many challenges valued members, our Ekka and Royal Education Partnership ahead of us as well as many great Queensland Food and Wine Show judges, opportunities. Executing our vision stewards, and competitors, and of course and Community and the accompanying business the million-plus people who visit the Ekka Science Award and place making strategies will and the RNA Showgrounds each year. enable the association to seize these opportunities and, in turn, drive the To adapt an old saying—without all Food and beverage revenue increased to RNA’s diversification and improve the of these people and the changes taking $5.1 million association’s financial performance. place, the show would not go on… A substantial amount has been achieved at the same place. to date, but this is a long-term process. Ekka turnover increased to 2013 signals a new chapter in the history $14.2 million The project has and will continue to of the RNA with the opening of RICC. be the catalyst for some changes to the We have high expectations for the showgrounds and the RNA’s activities. year ahead and are well-positioned Last year we saw a few important to strengthen our business and enjoy Sponsorship increased RNA and Ekka events and competitions continued success. It promises to be by 14.4 per cent to $1.5 million relocated and presented differently. an exciting time. We were so impressed by the way Queenslanders responded and $1.5 million invested supported what we are doing. in start-up activities for RICC David Thomas President MISSION, VISION AND VALUES 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2012 REPORT ANNUAL RNA WHO WE ARE OUR MISSION OUR CORE VALUES The RNA is an independent, not-for-profit To celebrate, conserve, promote Customer focus member based association that has and encourage understanding and We are committed to providing world-class freehold title to the RNA Showgrounds. development of the agricultural, pastoral, (five star) service in everything we do. Established in 1875, the RNA promotes horticultural, industrial, manufacturing and encourages the agricultural and and cultural resources of the State Integrity industrial development of Queensland. of Queensland. We always act with integrity and foster a culture of the highest ethical standards, The RNA is custodian of the RNA trust and honesty. Showgrounds on behalf of the Queensland OUR VISION community and helps bring city and • Ongoing successful staging of Respect country people together. Queensland’s largest and most loved We collaborate, communicate openly, event—the Royal Queensland Show Governed by 21 Councillors, the RNA share resources, and consider and 5 (Ekka)—at the RNA Showgrounds. represents more than 5,000 members understand the perspective and • Creating a sustainable RNA business across Queensland and further afield. contribution of others. and establishing the RNA Showgrounds and the Royal International Convention Innovation Centre as Queensland’s leading We encourage and acknowledge initiative, events venues. innovation and continuous improvement. • Transforming the RNA Showgrounds into a destination—a vibrant community, Achievement cultural, events precinct where people We strive to achieve excellence at 2012 REPORT ANNUAL enjoy relaxing, working and living. all times. We recognise achievement, RNA support each other to do our best, and reward high performance and efficiency. RNA CORPORATE YEAR IN REVIEW HISTORY IN THE MAKING During the year the RNA’s turnover In 2004 the RNA Council began a six increased to almost $24 million. In four year process to bring its vision of years venue hire revenue (excluding ensuring the beloved Ekka remained at the Ekka) has increased by 119 per cent the showgrounds for future generations from $3.6 million in 2009 to $7.9 million to enjoy while securing the long-term in 2012. Food and beverage revenue financial viability of the association. across the RNA Showgrounds’ venues also increased to $5.1 million. This vision became a reality in 2010 when the RNA Showgrounds Master Plan was The Ekka enjoyed steady momentum approved by the Urban Land Development with more than 400,000 people Authority paving the way for construction passing through the gates for the to start.