Queensland regions receive event funding boost

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones today announced $740,000 in grants to support regional events.

Ms Jones said 24 events throughout Queensland would receive the funding through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP).

“This funding will help grow events which play an important role in attracting visitors and promoting visitor experiences,” she said.

“This funding will support Queensland’s tourism economy by supporting a range of events from food, music and film festivals to sporting, racing and cultural events.

“It will support event marketing and strategic development, as well as hiring specialised short-term personnel and temporary infrastructure.”

Ms Jones said the Queensland Destination Events Program was designed to grow high-value regional events which drive visitation to Queensland’s destinations.

“The Palaszczuk Government is dedicated to supporting events throughout Queensland which drive tourism to destinations across the state, support the local economy, generate jobs and foster community pride,” she said.

The next round of funding for the QDEP is open until 30 October 2015 for events held between 20 June 2016 and 25 June 2017. 

Events supported under Round One of the QDEP: 

• AFL Masters National Carnival (30 April – 2 May 2016) $30,000
• Australian Masters Rowing Championships (2-5 June 2016) $20,900
• Bay Break (2 April 2016) $20,000
• Birdsville Big Red Bash (2016 and 2017) $120,000
• Broadbeach Country Music Festival (17-19 June 2016) $24,999
• Burleigh Pro (27-29 January 2017) $20,000
• Cairns Ukulele Festival (25-28 August 2016) $21,000
• Captain Cook 1770 Festival (18-22 May 2016) $22,000
• Cully Fest (31 March – 3 April 2016) $24,999
• Easter in the Country (25-28 March 2016) $20,000
• Feast of the Senses Inc. (12-20 March 2016) $20,000
• Felton Food Festival (2016 and 2017) $61,000
• Gold Coast Film Festival (31 March – 10 April 2016) $50,000
• Inkfest (22-24 July 2016) $20,000
• Maleny Wood Expo (4 June 2016) $36,000
• Port Douglas Carnivale (2016 and 2017) $80,000
• RACQ North Queensland Games (24 June – 26 July 2016) $15,000
• Relish Fraser Coast Food & Wine Festival (20-29 May 2016) $10,000
• Sand Safari (10-26 February 2016) $15,000
• Spirit of Bundaberg Festival (28 May 2016) $10,000
• Straddie Salute Triathlon (14-15 May 2016) $23,750
• Surfers Paradise LIVE (6-8 May 2016) $24,999
• The Planting (29 April – 1 May 2016) $24,999
• Whitsunday Reef Festival (5-14 August 2016) $24,999

 Visit the TEQ website for more details

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7530