Town Hall votes to keep Cup Parade tradition
A Greens motion to scrap the Melbourne Cup Parade has been defeated, with Melbourne City Council committing to the annual celebration — for now.
VIC News
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The Melbourne Cup Parade will continue, at least for another year, after Town Hall last night rejected a Greens motion to scrap the annual procession through the city’s streets.
Cr Rohan Leppert proposed a motion for the council to end its support for the annual equine celebration down Swanston St on Cup Eve.
Cr Leppert said ratepayers should not be helping to fund a “cruel” industry.
A total 167 submissions were made in favour of ending council support of horseracing events. Just three submission were opposed to the ban.
The vote was lost 7-3 but Cr Leppert later said the “debate isn’t going away’’.
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Lord Mayor Sally Capp proposed an alternative motion which condemned animal cruelty and backed welfare programs but also acknowledged the jobs and economic benefit of the racing industry.
The motion also said the parade attracted thousands of people and provided a boost to city traders.
This year’s event, when Cr Capp and Victoria Racing Club Amanda Elliott paraded the cup to race supporters, was dogged by a rain burst and animal welfare protesters.