What Brisbane’s neighbours think of show holiday change

The effects from changes to Brisbane’s show holiday flow further than the council’s borders — here’s how Brisbane’s neighbours will be impacted.

THE date for the Redlands’ show holiday is up for debate following a shake up to the Ekka show holiday in Brisbane.

For this year only, following the cancellation of the Royal Queensland Show due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Brisbane will hold its annual Ekka holiday on Friday, August 14 however at this stage the Redlands’ date remains Monday, August 10.

Eitherway Brisbane’s neighbours in the Redlands and Moreton Bay will enjoy a long weekend however Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said there would be some discussion about whether to bring the region in line with Brisbane this year.

“I think this is a good opportunity to seek feedback from the community and businesses about our public holiday,” Cr Williams said.

“Historically the Redlands has had its public holiday on the Monday before People’s Day so local businesses can attract Brisbane residents through events such as Crazy Day, providing a local financial benefit.

“Given today’s decision by the State Government this is a chance to look at the local tourism opportunities of the long weekends (both Brisbane and Redlands) and how we can best benefit from it.”

Brisbane City Council’s Ekka show holiday has been moved to a long weekend this year following cancellation of the event due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture: Annette Dew

She said she would be speaking with fellow councillors as well as the community to explore what option might work best.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the change in Brisbane was a great idea by the state government.

“We’ll certainly be looking at ways to entice more Brisbanites to take a drive to Moreton Bay this August thanks to the new Ekka long weekend,” he said.

“More than most areas of southeast Queensland, Moreton Bay Region is acutely aware of the benefits of drive tourism.

“In fact it underpins our $1 billion tourism economy.

“Which is why council had already scheduled our show holiday to create a long weekend, it’s a sugar hit as sweet as fairy floss for local businesses.

“The more long weekends we have, the more we see southeast Queenslanders hitting the road to enjoy our attractions, eat in local restaurants and hopefully stay with local accommodation providers.

“In fact I’ve asked council officers to look at new tourism ideas we could deliver in our coming Budget, so that Moreton Bay Region is poised for a visitation resurgence once life returns to normal after COVID-19.

“I’ve said everything is on the table and no idea is too outlandish, if it means our economy bounces back as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, parents who work in Brisbane but live in other council areas are scrambling to make arrangements for leave at work to care for children in school or day care.

Jaye Brogden took to Facebook to say the changes could be tricky.

“Normally I take Monday-Wednesday off work — now I have to have Mon and Fri off.

“Only one year I guess but would have been nice if it was all councils on the Monday to help families be able to have days off together and spend time and money in tourism as intended.”