WHILE Leongatha hosting the inaugural ‘Eat Drink Play Gippsland’ festival, showcasing Gippsland’s food, drink and music appeared exciting news, the decision to hold the event on Saturday, October 18 has been lashed by those in charge of the town’s Rail Trail Community Market.
The market, held on the third Sunday of each month, is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, with the festival also held in the Leongatha railway precinct.
“The logistical nightmare of having a huge fenced- off event packing down on Saturday night, just hours before we need to set up for Sunday morning, is unimaginable; it creates safety concerns, parking shortages, and will undoubtedly diminish the experience for everyone involved,” stated a representative of the Rail Trail Community Market.
Those in charge of the market hit out at a lack of consultation, arguing it attracts around 3500 attendees and 50 stall holders each time it is held and is a community hub and economic driver for the local area.
While market organisers argue it would be no problem to move ‘Eat Drink Play Gippsland’ to another weekend, tickets for the event have already gone on sale, with musical acts locked in.
Although South Gippsland Shire Council is just one of the organisations involved in bringing ‘Eat Drink Play Gippsland’ to life, it is being called on to reschedule the event.
South Gippsland Shire councillor Scott Rae responded to a Facebook post on the Rail Trail Community Market Leongatha site that is promoting a petition calling for the festival date to be changed.
“I predict a majority of the other 27 towns and villages in South Gippsland would embrace a chance like this in their locality,” he said, adding he believes they would bend over backwards to accommodate the festival.
South Gippsland Shire Council CEO Allison Jones responded to the concerns of market organisers.
“Eat Drink Play Gippsland is expected to attract significant economic benefits for the South Gippsland region and celebrate Gippsland-based producers and our vibrant food and drink businesses; this is a one-off, one-day event, and it is anticipated that many visitors will extend their stay over the weekend to enjoy other local events and activities,” she said.
“Prior to the event’s official launch, South Gippsland Shire Council communicated with Rail Trail Community Market organisers and confirmed with the organisers that the market site will remain available for use on Sunday, October 19 following the event.
“It’s worth noting that the offerings at Eat Drink Play Gippsland will differ substantially from those at the Rail Trail Market, making stallholder duplication unlikely, and there are excellent opportunities to support the Rail Trail market through marketing collaboration and cross-promotion at the event.”
The council CEO noted that council will actively promote all events taking place on the weekend concerned, with several businesses already planning Sunday activities to engage visitors who choose to stay in the region.