‘We’ve got to stop cancelling things in this town’: Eddie McGuire questions Moomba parade call

Eddie McGuire has criticised the council’s decision to cancel the Moomba parade, while restaurateur Chris Lucas says there was not enough consultation or transparency.

Questions have been raised over the Moomba parade’s cancellation as critics slam organisers.

Melbourne City Council pulled the pin on the iconic parade after the city was forecast to reach 38C on Monday.

But with temperatures staying in the high 20s and low 30s in the morning – the parade’s scheduled time – that call is under scrutiny.

Media figure Eddie McGuire said people should be trusted to take responsibility for themselves and be sunsmart.

“We’ve got to stop cancelling things in this town,” he said.

Eddie McGuire said people should be trusted to take responsibility for themselves and be sunsmart. Picture: Getty

“We’ve shown the resilience of a limp lettuce leaf.”

Restaurateur Chris Lucas said: “Like so many in the city we are disappointed that such an important event which we had made many arrangements for was cancelled without any consultation.

People enjoy the rides at Moomba on Monday. Picture: David Crosling

“While we all support safe events, the process … was lacking transparency.

“What other considerations were made to hold the parade earlier in the day?”

In a statement, Moomba Festival organisers said they “must prioritise people’s health and safety”.

“Parade participants are required to spend several hours outdoors in hot, heavy costumes, putting them at greater risk,” they said.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said they “spent hours” discussing options including a change of day, but logistics made this “really difficult”.

Moomba Monarchs Emma Memma and Peter Helliar. Picture: David Crosling

Though disappointed, Moomba monarchs Emma Watkins and Peter Helliar were all smiles as they partied with those who turned up to enjoy the festival’s other activities.

Helliar hinted at a “hijack” next year, joking he’d find a way to be on a float.

“I don’t care who the Moomba monarchs are, myself and Emma Memma are going to find a way, we’ll hijack a float if we need to,” he quipped.