On Tuesday night, a plan by Councillor Wayne Major to relocate the festival and its street parade from its Northbridge home lapsed because it failed to get a seconder at a standing committee meeting.

His plan is the first official expression of an idea that has circulated gay community websites since the relevance of the festival was questioned after the 20th annual parade was held in Northbridge on October 31.

Cr Major proposes that a "Gay and Lesbian Parade" be held in Bunbury's main thoroughfare, Victoria Street.

Where his failed motion to this week's committee meeting recommended the council merely "investigate the possibility" of hosting the Pride festival, he is now seeking a cost-benefit survey.

"I feel that a great opportunity is being lost to Bunbury as a tourist attraction," his submission reads.

"I also believe the Bunbury community would welcome the event for what it is and see it for what it is - simply a human celebration of life and not an advertisement for a lifestyle.

"As a heterosexual, I recognise the diversity of human nature and again see this as an opportunity for Bunbury business and tourism."

Cr Major has requested the cost-benefit analysis be reported back to Bunbury council by March 2010, and that any subsequent discussion of his plan occur behind closed doors.

Last week, Pride WA treasurer Andrew Baietta confirmed there had been considerable discussion in the gay community about relocating Pride to Bunbury.

"We're certainly aware of the opinion by some that the regional centres need something," Mr Baietta said.

"But what we have to remember is Pride is a volunteer organisation.

"It's all well and good to have these ideas, but whether (a move to Bunbury) is possible is another point."

He said Bunbury was being discussed because it was WA's largest city outside the Perth metropolitan area.

Yesterday, Mr Baietta issued a statement headed "Business as usual for Pride WA Inc".

In that release Pride WA confirmed "there are currently no plans to change Pride's calendar of events".

Earlier this year, a plan by then Mandurah councillor John Hughes for a gay and lesbian mardi gras in that city was abandoned after vehement local opposition.

Pride will host an invitation-only forum on December 7 at Loton Park Tennis Club to determine, among other things, if the annual festival is still serving its purpose.