Moreton Bay’s Show Public Holiday to be Rescheduled

Published 04 August 2021

Moreton Bay Regional Council today unanimously decided to reschedule the region’s upcoming show public holiday.

The Monday 9 August event will now be held later in the year due to the current Covid risk.

Mayor Peter Flannery said it was essential to try to provide businesses with some certainty at this uncertain time, so that they can continue their operations.

“This is absolutely critical after the cancellation of Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival, so I want to assure local businesses that they’ll enjoy the benefit of an alternate long weekend later this year and they won’t need to pay public holiday wages during a lockdown when no one is allowed outside their homes,” he said.

“With 19 new Covid cases today, there’s a chance that restrictions could remain for another week and we may not have any clarity around that until Sunday 8 August which is just too close to the current public holiday for my liking.

“Moving the holiday will mean residents and businesses can really make the most of a long weekend when lockdown is lifted, and we’ll be looking at a ‘stay and play’ campaign to encourage locals to celebrate the event in our region.

“This was a unanimous decision of Council, which everyone advocated for and I want to thank the Chamber for their resolve at this difficult time.

“A new date is yet to be determined with the State Government, but Council will certainly be advocating for another long weekend of celebrations in Moreton Bay Region, maybe around an event like the Redcliffe KiteFest.

“We must continue to be vigilant if we’re to stop an outbreak across Queensland, so please stay home unless you need to go out for an essential reason, and get tested if you’re showing any signs of symptoms.

“There are testing clinics across our region, including a new facility that opened today in Caboolture at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre.”