(Media-Newswire.com) - The
Brumby Government will move to amend the Crown Land ( Reserves
) Act in Parliament this week to ensure the Melbourne’s
International Flower and Garden Show remains a feature of
Melbourne’s major events calendar.
Environment Minister Gavin Jennings said the amendment allows
the Governor in Council to declare temporary management
arrangements for the Carlton Gardens during an event of
State significance.
“This important amendment is fantastic news for Victoria
and guarantees the event’s future,” Mr Jennings
said.
“This allows the Government to assume responsibility
for the Gardens from the City of Melbourne for the duration
of the Flower and Garden Show.”
Melbourne’s International Flower and Garden Show is
the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere attracting
visitors from Victoria, interstate and overseas.
The five day event showcases the Victorian horticultural,
floristry and landscape industries in the Carlton Gardens
and the Royal Exhibition Buildings.
“Independent reports have found the show did not have
a significant impact on trees and plants or the health of
the gardens,” Mr Jennings said.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Tim Holding said he
had announced plans to save the annual event late last year
after negotiations between the event organisers and the
Council broke down.
The Victorian Government will not allow major events to
be threatened by people pushing their own personal agendas
at the expense of more than 100,000 people who flock to
the event every year,” Mr Holding said.
“There were a few Councillors who were trying to have
the show moved from the historic location, making incorrect
claims of environmental damage.
“This is a very important event on Victoria’s
calendar, boosting our economy by approximately $8 million
each year. Its continuation in the future is certainly a
win for Melbourne.”
The hallmark event is organised by the Nursery & Garden
Industry Victoria ( NGIV ) and Flowers
Victoria.
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show will
be held from 2-6 April 2008. For details on the show visit:
www.melbflowershow.com.au
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