MORE than 1200 Ballarat residents have had their say in the debate about which public holiday the city should observe.
In addition to the choice between the Ballarat Show and Melbourne Cup Day holidays, residents can vote for Ballarat to observe Eureka Day in early December.
A City of Ballarat spokesperson said the council would consider the poll results when it would makes its decision about the Ballarat public holiday at the March 13 meeting.
Ballarat Trades and Labor Council president Brett Edgington said the region should lead Australia in recognising Eureka Day as one of the nation’s most significant historical events.
“It would see Ballarat embrace a truly significant local event which has a national and international significance and helped form the foundation of Australia’s democracy,” he said.
Joining Commerce Ballarat’s position in supporting the Melbourne Cup public holiday option, Nicholson Constructions director Richard Nicholson said workers were granted Melbourne Cup Day off under an enterprise agreement.
“No matter where in the state they are, construction workers have Melbourne Cup but my office staff get Ballarat Show Day or local holidays in Bendigo and Warrnambool.”
“From my perspective, it is all about productivity and the financial impact on businesses is greater by not having a consistent public holiday date around the state.”
Ballarat Show horse committee member Ken Greenbank said the decision should be made based on what was best for the local community.
“The public holiday means the show is a real community event.”
“School and pony clubs can compete that day and parents can bring their kids ... without a public holiday the show would be a lot less important to the community.”
To vote, go online to www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/
thomas.mcilroy@fairfaxmedia.com.au