Floriade 2000 ???

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism

Media Statement - 17 September 1999

Shadow Minister for Tourism Labor MLA Wayne Berry has called on Kate Carnel to guarantee a Floriade in the year 2000.

Mr Berry's call follows the Chief Ministers announcement during the ACT Legislative Assembly Estimates Committee hearing that Floriade might only be held in alternate years.

"Following the disastrous management of the Floriade fee, the eleventh hour 'lights out' at this years Festival and doubts about an annual Floriade the tourism industry needs a clear undertaking for a Floriade in the year 2000

"Already Lake Burly Griffin based tourism is experiencing doubts about future operations if an on again off again approach is taken with the Floriade. The last thing the tourism industry needs is another 11th hour announcement about a future Floriade.

"Interstate tourism operators have also expressed concern about the impact the apparent ad hoc decision making by Tourism Minister Carnel is affecting their operations.

"Tourism operators need certainty about the future of floriade in order that packages can be settled early. After all fully occupied beds mean jobs and Canberra needs all of those it can get.

"If Kate Carnel has any respect for the tourism industry in the ACT she will confirm Floriade 2000 today," Mr Berry concluded.