Carnell Gets Floriade Fee Wrong - Again - Canberrans Still Pay Twice

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism

Media Statement - 18 March 2000

The Carnell Government has once again shown that it is not interested in the community concern at paying twice for Floriade, Labor Shadow Tourism Minister Wayne Berry said today.

For the last two years the Carnell Government has undermined Floriade with last minute announcements about fees and changed arrangements. These ad hoc changes have hampered the tourism industry and angered Canberrans.

Mr Berry said, "Canberrans value Floriade and look forward to our spring floral festival but they object to being hit with a fee for a festival which they already pay $1.2m for as part of their taxes.

"They have made this clear over the last two years. But instead of heeding Canberrans, the government has lurched from one unpopular decision to another - all the time harming Canberra's biggest income earner.

"The initial fee imposition and the furore it created saw income to the Canberra economy from Floriade drop from $25 million in 1997 to $19 million in 1998.

"The last minute changes in 1999 saw further uncertainty and falling attendances in 1999. This was exacerbated by the Chief Minister's refusal to guarantee the future of Floriade.

"Now the Chief Minister says she will put $200,000 more of taxpayers money into Floriade so that the fee can be reduced.

"It is time the Chief Minister listened and got the message - Canberrans don't believe they should have to pay twice for Floriade.

"I only hope it doesn't take as long for Kate Carnell to get the message about Floriade as it did to get the message about the 'Feel the Power' campaign.

"I have called for an urgent briefing to get to the bottom of this latest change," Mr Berry concluded.