Organisers behind the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival have argued in a submission to the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council that the local government should better manage community events.
The annual festival, which is organised by the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, has been running for over 20 years and showcases a range of stalls, live entertainment and an Oyster Eating competition.
Former Gosford City Councillor, Debra Wales, wrote in her submission (made public throught the Government Information Public Access or GIPA process) that despite the long-term success of the event, the festival would now be cancelled.
“In recent times, Central Coast Council have taken it upon themselves to run major events throughout the Coast and at times, on the same date as our festival,” Wales said in her submission.
“We are aware that the cost of these Council events are considerable and staff requirements needed to run these events would be quite significant.
“So, it comes as a surprise that a Council would want to run events despite their financial crisis.
“We now find that Council is actively advertising on their social media that they are seeking sponsorship from our business community to support these events.
“They would be targeting the same sponsors that we rely on to hold the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival.
“With the ongoing pressure of COVID-19 and now the local Council seeking sponsorship from our business community, our Peninsula Chamber of Commerce cannot compete with Council and have decided to cancel the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival after 20 successful years.
“I do not believe this is the role of Local Government.”
Maisy Rae