As Canberra’s spring flower festival Floriade wraps up for another year, talk has now turned to the future of the aging event.
The ACT Government is looking for a new home for Floriade from 2017, as a tenure with the National Capital Authority for the use of Commonwealth Park expires.
The event has been held in Commonwealth Park for almost 30 years.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr has identified the smaller Glebe Park as a likely option for the event.
But the news has pulled mixed reactions from community groups.
North Canberra Community Council said the move in venue could threaten the event’s future.
Council chairman Mike Hettinger said Glebe Park and the surrounding area would struggle to handle the crowds Floriade attracts.
“I think it would be a lose-lose-lose all round,” he said.
“If it were relocated to a place like Glebe Park, Floriade would suffer and the surrounding residents would suffer.”
But business leaders in Canberra’s CBD are backing suggestions of a move closer to the city.