Queensland’s Ekka Public Holiday will be moved until later in 2021 for Brisbane, Scenic Rim and Moreton Bay local government areas, the Premier announced today.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the decision to move the holiday from Wednesday, August 11 occurred following the cancellation of the Ekka show for a second year.
“I know many people and families were disappointed to hear the Ekka would not go ahead this year,” the Premier said.
“But with the current situation, the last thing we need right now is a potential super-spreader event with thousands of people gathered.
“And if we can’t have the Ekka this year to help keep Queenslanders safe, it makes sense to move the holiday.
“Like we did last year, we will create a people’s long weekend to replace the Ekka holiday so we can enjoy it properly and better support local businesses.”
Industrial Relations Minister, Grace Grace said the long weekend was very successful in 2020.
“It gave people the opportunity to support their local business and the tourist industry and to enjoy a well-earned break,” the Minister said.
“We haven’t made this decision lightly. But because the Ekka has been cancelled, we want to provide certainty to businesses, the community and workers impacted.”
She said the State Government had liaised with other affected local government areas to determine if they will go ahead with their planned show holidays next week.
The Scenic Rim and Moreton Bay Regional Council’s also requested to move their show holiday, with the remaining Councils opting not to change, the Minister said.
“These councils are best placed to know what will and won’t work for their communities and I thank them for their co-operation again this year.”
“I would also like to commend the RNA and those that had already arrived for the Ekka for understanding that health and safety is paramount during this current COVID-19 outbreak.
“I will miss the Ekka again this year and I know tens of thousands of Queenslanders feel the same. I look forward to the Ekka returning bigger and better in 2022.”
The date of the new public holiday is expected to be determined at the next parliamentary sitting as it will need legislative amendment.
