Territory Day 2024 firework show at Mindil Beach to go on
“The plan to move Territory Day was the wrong one”: After days of criticism the NT government has announced it will backflip a decision to move the location of cracker night celebrations.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Stung by criticism it could have done more to save an iconic Top End event, the Territory government has announced it will return cracker night back to its traditional Mindil Beach home.
The NT News reported last week NT Major Events had relocated the traditional Territory Day cracker night event from Mindil Beach to the Waterfront because it had not obtained an authority certificate, which could indemnify organisers if damage occurred at Mindil, which is an Aboriginal sacred site.
The Waterfront switch sparked a storm of protest from Territorians who love the free-flowing nature of the beachside cracker night event.
And the matter became political on Thursday when the Country Liberal Party released a petition to try and force the government to change its mind and return.
The party’s Fannie Bay candidate Laurie Zio put the blame onto her direct political opponent Brent Potter.
“People I have spoken to are furious at Labor’s last-minute change and with our local Labor Member Brent Potter who as the Minister for Major Events approved the move,” Ms Zio said.
“Market stall owners will not be able to trade at this event, showing again, we’re all paying the price for Labor’s poor decisions.”
Also on Thursday morning, Chief Minster Eva Lawler stepped in and announced the government had taken a stand on cracker night.
“We’ve heard Territorians loud and clear and Territory Day will remain at Mindil Beach,” Ms Lawler said.
“This is an iconic event at an iconic location and we want to make sure everyone has the best Territory Day possible.”
“The plan to move Territory Day was the wrong one and we’ve listened to the community to fix it and keep the event at Mindil Beach.”
Mr Potter said the government was now confident it can “manage the risks” of hosting fireworks at Mindil Beach.
Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said it was a relief the decision had been reversed.
“I thank the people of the Territory for standing up and fighting against this bad decision by the government,” she said.
“Labor should never have messed with such an iconic event. Territorians love their way of life and thankfully sanity has prevailed.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Territory Day 2024 firework show at Mindil Beach to go on
Locked up NT kids bearing the brunt of ‘a failed system’
A Territory child was reported as the victim of abuse and harm 70 times before they ended up in the clink. See why the children’s watchdog believes we’re failing vulnerable kids.
‘I’m prepared’: Police graduates ready to hit the streets
In a matter of days, 21 new cops will join the ranks of men and women putting their lives on the line every day to protect their community. Read how they’re feeling before hitting the frontline.