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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 6 Hansard (2 September) . . Page.. 1817 ..

MS CARNELL (continuing):

The Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation decided to revitalise Floriade and restore its pride of place as Australia's and perhaps even the world's premier floral festival. An extra 500,000 bulbs and annuals have been planted this year, bringing to 1.3 million the total number of flowers on display. The displays are now spread over 12,000 square metres of Commonwealth Park. Two free outdoor concerts have been added, featuring the likes of James Blundell, Margaret Urlich and Grace Knight. These and other improvements were all added to enhance the local, national and international appeal of this event. But all this comes at a cost, about $3.2m in total. Canberra taxpayers already contribute to the tune of $1.1m via funding from the ACT Government. There has not been any reduction in our commitment this year, contrary to some comments that have been made. The organisers have been able to attract about $800,000 in corporate sponsorship, as well as the anticipated proceeds from merchandising, licensing fees, et cetera. For Mr Berry's benefit, that leaves a shortfall of $1.3m.

This could be met in one of three ways. First, we could try to attract more sponsors. Certainly that has been tried, but so far that has not been possible. Second, we could increase our funding. That would have to come from somewhere, probably in the form of additional rates or taxes. That $1.3m equates to about $13 to $15 per household. Every Canberra household could pay $13 to $15 on top of what they pay at the moment. However, taxpayers are already contributing to the tune of $1.1m, and not every Canberran visits Floriade. In fact, I think last year, when it was free, only 30 per cent of Canberrans visited Floriade. The final option is an entry fee, bearing in mind that more than 60 per cent of visitors to Floriade are from interstate.

I will say it again for Mr Berry's benefit. Every Canberra household will still receive a free family day pass to Floriade this year and every year thereafter. Mr Berry has argued that the basic adult charge of $10 is ridiculous, despite the fact that this charge is 15 per cent less than the average price of a movie ticket. He says it is outrageous, despite the fact that the Canberra Show charges adults $12 and children and pensioners $6. He says it is scandalous, despite the fact that the adult day pass for Summernats is $27. He says it is uncompetitive, despite the fact that the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show charged $15 this year for an adult day pass, while Britain's prestigious Chelsea Flower Show requires visitors to pay about $40 Australian.

MR SPEAKER: I think I can attest to that.

MS CARNELL: You could attest to $40, Mr Speaker?

MR SPEAKER: It is something of that nature.

MS CARNELL: Very much so. When Canberrans and tourists say they want more from Floriade, you could take one of two approaches. Mr Berry's approach would be to do nothing and watch the event disappear slowly, along with the jobs and the economic benefits it brings. We could also stick another million dollars or so into the whole event and increase the operating loss or, alternatively, charge every Canberra household $13 to $15. This Government does not operate that way, Mr Speaker.

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