Livingstone Shire’s Show Public Holiday officially moved to 14 August

Livingstone Shire Council has received confirmation this afternoon that the Queensland Government has approved to move the Shire’s show public holiday from 12 June 2020 to Friday 14 August 2020.

Mayor Andy Ireland said this was a great outcome for the Shire’s local businesses and tourism industry, which are in need of an economic boost following the negative impacts of COVID-19.

“This wasn’t a backflip by Council; it was a change of direction brought about by a change at the State Government level. Councils were given the opportunity to change their show holidays to 14 August and we thought this would be preferable to 12 June as the COVID-19 restrictions would have been significantly relaxed by 14 August,” Mayor Ireland said.

“We think that social gathering restrictions will ease even further by August which will allow for businesses to welcome a higher number of patrons and potentially resulting in a higher financial turnover.

“We understand there is some community frustration at the late notice of the decision, however Council believes this is in the best interest of the Shire’s economy and we hope residents will be out in support of our local businesses and tourism operators over the long weekend.”

Portfolio holder of Vibrant Community (Tourism, Events and Culture), Councillor Lynch, said some local businesses had received little to no income over the past two months, as well as a number of residents who have been out of work for a similar period due to COVID-19.

“This gave Council an opportunity to vote in support of these industries by applying to move the show holiday and help to generate some much-needed income to their operations,” Cr Lynch said.

“This will help them stay afloat and keep their doors open. These industries contribute to making our Shire the fantastic place that it is and I encourage residents and visitors to show their support where they can.”