With the Brisbane Ekka fast approaching most of the northern show runs have finished and the showmen are heading south.

There have been mixed reports from the shows in relation to financial results, with some operators reporting good results and others commenting they were down against forecasted results. Although, the threat of Swine Flu has impacted crowd numbers, the real test will be in a week's time when the gates open at this year's Brisbane EKKA.

Attendances were down at Townsville show this year, however, more likely affected by the huge ticket sales in the months leading up to the inaugural V8 super cars race which was held two weeks after the show.

Darwin show also reported attendance numbers down and the operators I have spoken to this week are feeling the pinch from the large site rental fees charged this year.

It is always difficult for operators to generate the funds to cover their site fees at the big shows. I don't know any small businesses in the current economic climate that can pay this amount of money up to two months in advance. With the huge investment in our machinery and increased operating costs this is only added pressure on all operators.

On a more positive note, several new attractions have just arrived in Australia. A new white knuckle thrill ride called XXXL will make it's debut in Australia at this year's EKKA. It is 7.5G's of gravitational pull on your body weight. The ride seats 12 people on a pendulum which swings progressively higher and faster until they undertake a complete loop in freefall. There are only twelve of these rides in the world and it will be exciting to see it operating around the country. The other great new rides are the water based roller coaster; Pirate's Revenge, a juke box style Rock 'n' Roll ride, a 35m high swing tower; Sky Flyer and fun new children's ride; the Magic Circus.

We are looking forward to the three big Royal Shows ahead, as this impressive line up of equipment is erected, we all wait in anticipation of the smiling crowds and the noisy atmosphere.

Phil Durkin

Chair, Transportable Rides