Councillors have agreed to chip in an extra $1244 a year in fee waivers for the show on top of the $7000 a year for the next four years that was approved in the 2018-19 budget.

The new funding mean the Bathurst Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Association will not have to pay to hang a banner promoting the show across William Street for the two weeks leading up to the event.

The allocation came after Bathurst AH&P executive secretary Brett Kenworthy wrote to council to highlight the difficulties they faced in funding each year’s event.

“As we discussed it remains extremely difficult for our association to achieve the successful conduct of a show of the scale that the Royal Bathurst Show has become,” Mr Kenworthy wrote.

“The support we receive from council has gone a considerable way to helping us deliver what is seen as, even in the worst of weather, a great regional show – if not the best outside of Sydney, then very close.

“Our opportunity for the future is very exciting, but also daunting.

“It’s daunting because we have been for some years simply not able to generate the same levels of sponsorship that other regional centres and shows of our size attract.”

The initial $7000 approved by council in its 2018-19 management plan will see it continue as a major sponsor of the show until 2022.

That money will make council the naming rights sponsor of the community stage at the next four shows and provide $500 cash prizes to the show’s two supreme exhibits.

Council’s support also includes providing use of Bathurst Sportsground for parking camping for amusement ride operators; use of Morse Park for public public throughout the show; making the mayor one of two patrons of the show.

“As you know, this event cannot survive and association could not continue the work it has done since 1858 without the strong support of Bathurst Regional Council, councillors and staff,” Mr Kenworthy wrote.