Nameless public holiday bid rejected

The Shire of Ashburton has lost a bid to have the September Queen's Birthday public holiday moved to coincide with the 43rd Nameless Jarndunmunha Festival in Tom Price.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin rejected the request because of opposition from Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, formerly known as Tom Price and Paraburdoo Business Association.

PICCI president Sarah Kemp said members had expressed concern over the application because of the negative impact it would have on local businesses.

"The festival itself brings lots of people into town, and if the businesses have to shut on the Monday, it would mean missing out on the local trading on that day, especially when it's already a difficult time for businesses at the moment," she said.

"That public holiday is also usually when local businesses get out of town; managers get to go out of town when they're normally so busy, so it would be really sad if that day occurred over the festival."

"Also, businesses which had head offices in Perth would become out of synch on the day, causing disruptions."

Ms Kemp said Paraburdoo had also been excluded from the application, despite the two towns operating "as one economy".

She said members felt they had not been properly consulted by the Shire. Ms Kemp said members would happily facilitate the process if the Shire were to apply again next year.