THE beauty queen at the centre of the Bundaberg Miss Showgirl upset has defended her decision to enter the competition despite not being able to commit to post-event responsibilities.

Maryann Douglas was crowned this year's Miss Showgirl, but her title was stripped after the Show Society learnt she had booked an overseas holiday and would not be able to compete in the regional finals this weekend.

But Ms Douglas said the holiday had been booked since last year and she had been upfront to the Show Society about her plans to travel to Canada.

"It was something everyone was aware of, that I wouldn't be able to continue if I were to get into the regional competition as I was going overseas," she said.

"It just so happened that I won."

Ms Douglas said she entered the competition because she had been approached by the Show Society because there had been a lack of entrants in this year's Miss Showgirl quest.

"I entered to promote young ladies getting involved in the show movement and promoting the region's agriculture and rural healthcare," she said.

I'm disappointed in the way I was treated and the way I was portrayed.

Miss Showgirl co-ordinator Wendy Bust said Ms Douglas had failed to return their calls following the competition and it was only after contacting her at her workplace did she inform the society she wouldn't be able to compete in the regional finals.

"The society was unaware that she was going overseas and would not have allowed her to nominate or continue in the competition had we been aware of her not been able to carry out her duties," she said.

"Our secretary endeavoured to contact Miss Douglas over a three-week period after the Bundaberg Show and had to contact her at her work only to be advised that she would not be attending any further judging as she was travelling overseas - hence the action we were forced to take."

But Ms Douglas said she tried to respond and left several messages on the show office phone.

"No one called me back and it was only when they called me at work that I heard from them again," Ms Douglas said.

"When I spoke to Wendy I said I couldn't continue.

"She said all the prizes I had won were mine to keep and I will be keeping them."

Mrs Bust said the comments made about a lack of entrants in this year's competition was untrue.

"Four girls plus herself competed in the Miss Showgirl Competition," she said.

However, Ms Douglas said she felt there had been a breakdown in communication within the Show Society and the drama had soured the whole Miss Showgirl experience.

"I'm disappointed in the way I was treated and the way I was portrayed," she said.

"I would like an apology from the show committee."