CANCELLATIONS of local shows across North Queensland has prompted public holiday dates to change in some towns.
Local councils were able to apply to the state government to change their public holidays to coincide with the Brisbane 'Ekka People's Day' long weekend on Friday, August 14.
The hope was that people would use the extra long weekend to get out and explore the state injecting much needed funds into the economy post-coronavirus.
Several North Queensland council's who applied to change their show holiday dates were successful.
These include Burdekin, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Whitsunday - change applies to Bowen only, and Weipa, where residents will now have a long weekend from Friday, August 14.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council, however, was unable to get state government approval in a timely fashion and the Ingham show holiday will remain on Friday, June 26.
Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo said while people were now able to travel around the state for their long weekend, he urged them to stay local.
"While a long weekend gives the opportunity to travel, I encourage you all to stay local and spend money locally to support our district through these trying times," Cr Jayo said.
Other areas joining the August 14 day off include Rockhampton, Livingstone, Gold Coast and Logan.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said when they're turned into long weekends, public holidays generate millions of dollars for local businesses.
"Tourism operators and small businesses need all the help they can get right now," Ms Jones said.
"It makes sense, where possible, to create as many long weekends as we can to stimulate our economy and keep locals in jobs."
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said the long weekend was a great opportunity to get out and support our wonderful tourism and small business sectors.
"We've received a lot of feedback from local councils about changing their show holidays and we have been more than happy to approve these requests," Ms Grace said.
"By moving the show holiday to a long weekend, it will no doubt give locals the chance for a mini-break and our tourism industry a much-needed boost.
"We're urging Queensland families to take advantage of the change - get out of the house and support local businesses now that intrastate travel is unrestricted."
Those local government areas that did not request to change their show holiday to August 14 will keep their existing date.
