MP calls for help to keep festival going
INDEPENDENT Clark MP Madeleine Ogilvie has asked the state government to intervene to help the cancelled Taste of the Huon event to go ahead.
However, the state government will not be moved on the current level of restrictions for large events, and says all events can apply for funds to help meet COVID-19 requirements.
Taste of the Huon organisers announced on Friday the 2021 event would be cancelled.
The two-day festival held over the March long weekend can attract up to 15,000 people over two days.
However, under current COVID-19 restrictions on large events, the festival was only allowed to cater for 2000 people at a time, making it financially unviable.
Ms Ogilvie said the state government could offer support to the event.
“We need to support local jobs for musicians, entertainers and small businesses. We have lost a number of events this year let’s move quickly to save the Taste of the Huon,” she said.
“Let’s remember this event is run by fantastic volunteers who need our support to run the event in a safe way.
‘Everyone understands COVID restrictions are for public safety but the cost of meeting requirements can be
prohibitive.” The request was instigated by Ms Ogilvie, not by the Taste of the Huon committee.
President Rosemary Bennett said while the committee appreciated Ms Ogilvie’s support, it remained concerned about public safety and was not seeking government assistance to revive the 2021 event.
A spokesman for the state government said the Taste of the Huon was eligible for a $5000 grant available to help events comply with COVID-19 rules.
“Ultimately any final decision about an event is up to the organisers, and we recognise that a number of events have had to make difficult decisions to be able to comply with COVID safe plans as
well as ensure their long term viability,” the spokesman said.
“We will continue to support event organisers during this challenging time, as we have already done with a number of event organisers to make sure they have the right measures in place to stage them in a COVID-safe way.
“Examples of events that have been held or happening right now are MONA Foma, the Big Bash, speedway, the major Race Tasmania series event and the Longford and Devonport Cups which have all been able to go ahead with advice and support from the Tasmanian Government with consideration to COVID safety provisions.”