THE Aussie Night Markets will proceed in May to the relief of organisers despite objections from homegrown market operators.
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Orange City Council approved the use of the Northcourt on Tuesday night, but it was a close vote.
Councillor Kevin Duffy pointed out producers held Taste Orange events in Martin Place and other Sydney locations.
“What if they had the same attitude? It seems a bit hypocritical,” he said.
Councillor Glenn Taylor agreed, saying the council could set a precedent.
“You’re sending the message that we’re a closed shop,” he said.
However, councillor Russell Turner said Taste Orange events aimed to increase visitation to Orange.
“This strictly a commercial event from someone out of Sydney,” he said.
Mayor Reg Kidd, councillors Jeff Whitton and Jason Hamling and general manager Garry Styles left the chamber because they were board members of Orange Region Tourism, one of the objectors.
RELATED COVERAGE: Markets receive cold reception
Deputy mayor Joanne McRae chaired the proceedings and noted it was an alcohol-free event with children’s rides, which set the event apart from the FOOD Week and Orange Wine Festival events.
“One person pointed out at the field days, we have large amounts of agricultural equipment, tractors and car trailers discounted so they don’t have to transport them back,” she said.
“But the local businesses step up and show they can match those out-of-towners.”
The markets passed five votes to three.
Objectors were concerned the markets could damage Orange’s food brand.
Market director Sam Adams said it was the first time the event had drawn opposition.
“We were pretty surprised initially that it had gone to council, but we’re happy with the result,” he said.
Mr Adams said the market had a familial relationship with its regular stallholders and it came across in the event.
He said no stallholders from the region had applied yet, but applications were open and the market would actively advertise.
The Central Western Daily ran a poll asking readers whether they would attend a market, which did not mandate the use of regional produce, with 51.6 per cent of the 422 respondents saying they would.
To apply, visit http://www.aussienightmarkets.com.au/stall_application.html