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Perth may lose Big Day Out

The Events Industry Association today slammed the Environment Minister's decision to finish the Big Day Out at 10pm, calling it backward and counterproductive.

President Neil Campbell said this morning that the decision at this late stage in the event's planning was embarrassing for the organisers and reinforced the tag of Nanny State and Nanna State.

"Outdoor events in Western Australia are going to be even more difficult to stage now that the Perth Arena is operational and we all need to work together to ensure that these long standing, professionally managed and popular events continue to occur" said Mr Campbell

"The economic impact of this event and others like it is enormous and the local events industry needs them to remain vibrant. If we are going to show the rest of Australia that we are capable of holding major events and can manage international artists coming to Perth, this decision is counterproductive to all the hard work being done by WA and national event producers.

Closing the event at 10pm is a backward decision and the Minister needs to reverse it", he said. "The Town of Claremont has long been against holding anything other than craft fairs at the Showgrounds and its very disappointing that world class events like Big Day Out are being compromised by a small group of disenchanted residents who have the ear of some councillors."

The Events Industry Association is calling on the Premier's Department, and all government departments to consult more comprehensively with the industry before making decisions that have national and international impact.

 For more information call Neil Campbell on 08 61425266 or email admin@eia.com.au