The Public Holiday normally declared for the Ekka Show will be moved until later in 2021 for Brisbane, the Scenic Rim and Moreton Bay.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the holiday, which would normally have been on Wednesday of this week (11 August) had been moved following the cancellation of the Ekka for a second year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I know many people were disappointed to hear the Ekka would not go ahead this year, but with the current situation, the last thing we need right now is a potential super-spreader event with thousands of people gathered,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“If we can’t have the Ekka this year, it makes sense to move the holiday.”
She said as with last year, the State would create a people’s long weekend to replace the Ekka holiday.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace said the people’s long weekend had been 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,” Ms Grace 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.”
The Minister said she had liaised with the other affected Local Government areas to determine if they would go ahead with their planned show holidays.
“The Scenic Rim and Moreton Bay Regional Councils also requested to move their show holiday, with the remaining Councils opting not to change,” she said.
“These Councils are best placed to know what will and won’t work for their communities and I thank them for their cooperation again this year,” Ms Grace said.
