REDLANDS council has copped a barrage of criticism for keeping the city's Ekka public holiday on Monday, but a Straddie business owner says the decision could give a much-needed boost to businesses crippled by COVID-19.
This means the Redlands will be out of step with Brisbane and Logan councils.
But Stradbroke Chamber of Commerce chairman Colin Battersby, who owns a fish and chip shop and a real estate agency at Point Lookout, said council had made the right call.
He said North Stradbroke Island's hospitality and tourism businesses have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic, with the island closed to visitors for nearly two months.
"Brisbane moving the holiday (from Wednesday to Friday) really hasn't changed anything for people in the Redlands," he said.
"With two long weekends (one for Brisbane and one for the Redlands), we're expecting a really good week for the island."
Council has been criticised on social media over its decision.
Capalaba MP Don Brown said the decision would split families and result in people staying home, rather than spending money at local businesses.
"People don't end up with two holidays, they end up not doing anything because family members are at work or school," he said.
But Mr Battersby said bookings were looking strong for August.
"We've had double the number of visitors to our website than in May last year," he said.
"We're getting bookings from people from the country who were planning on bringing their animals up for the Ekka.
"Obviously they're not doing that anymore but they are having a holiday instead."
He said the Ekka weekend was always busy, and splitting crowds over two weekends would save the island being overrun.
