Redland City Council has come under fire after rejecting a request to light up the Cleveland Lighthouse in green and gold for National Agricultural Day.
Cr Paul Golle, who put forward the proposal, slammed the decision as bureaucratic nonsense.
He was told only the national organisation behind the day could lodge an application—not local representatives.
“To me, this seems impractical,” Cr Golle said.
“Surely it’s unrealistic to expect national coordinators to approach every southeast Queensland council individually.
“Why can’t elected representatives bring forward proposals on behalf of their own communities?”
Cr Golle also questioned past council approvals for other lighting events, including those linked to LGBTQI groups, saying the inconsistency was baffling.
“Who from the national or state organisation made the application in those cases—or was it council staff?” he asked.
The snub has sparked frustration among locals, many of whom feel the Redlands’ strong agricultural heritage deserves recognition without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.
Council has yet to clarify whether it will reconsider the proposal, leaving residents wondering why celebrating local farmers is proving so difficult.
National Agriculture Day in Australia is celebrated annually on the third Friday of November, and for 2025, it will be on Friday, November 21.
The day is a nationwide event to acknowledge the farmers and agricultural industry’s crucial role in feeding and clothing the nation and caring for the land.
Australians are encouraged to show their support by joining events, sharing stories online using the hashtag #AgDayAU, or hosting gatherings with friends and family.
