Fix Floriade Fences And Fee - Humphries' Last Chance

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism

Media Statement - 24 April 2001

Labor Shadow Tourism Minister Wayne Berry has called on the Humphries Government to ditch the Floriade fee and fences in the upcoming ACT budget.

Mr Berry chaired an ACT Legislative Assembly committee which recommended that the government revert to a gold coin donation as entry to Floriade.

"As part of the then 'Kate and Gary show', Mr Humphries should have by now come to realise the need to reverse the damage caused to Floriade and local tourism by the 11th hour flip flops on fees and management," Mr Berry said.

"Mr Humphries should abandon any sentimental commitment to the silly decisions which came out of the 'can do' government that he and his predecessor led. The Territory's tourism industry and Floriade should not continue to suffer because of misdirected loyalty to bad decisions of the past.

"The dropping of the fee will also lead to the abandonment of the hated black fence with significant savings for the event.

"No one can repair the losses from the 'Feel the Power Campaign', the Futsal slab, the Bruce Stadium or the $1.5 million annual black hole that is plaguing the V8 car race but with Floriade there is at least a chance.

"This is the last budget in the term of the Humphries led government where there will be an opportunity to repair some of the damage caused to the Territory's image. Loss of face over past mistakes should not prevent a positive outcome for Floriade and the people of Canberra" Mr Berry concluded.