Second round of grants for future Outback events as winter tourism ramps up

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is urging tourists to take a winter break in regional Queensland as she also invites more applications for the $3 million Year of Outback Tourism Events Program.

Ms Palaszczuk said a change of season could mean a change of scenery for holidaymakers, with the cooler months a great time to chill in Outback Queensland.

“As temperatures fall, our outback will be a winter wonderland of festivals and major events,” the Premier said.

“Thousands of golfers will tee-off for the Outback Queensland Masters featuring a Million Dollar Hole-in-One Challenge, film lovers will head north for the Vision Splendid Film Festival in Winton and come July, dedicated Midnight Oil fans will descend on Birdsville for the Big Red Bash. 

“And in what’s already been a landmark year for outback events, today I’m also delighted to open round two of the Year of Outback Tourism Events Program.

“My Government is offering grants for new or enhanced events in Outback Queensland, designed to support local businesses and build a stronger, sustainable tourism industry for the outback.

“Last month we announced the 27 recipients of round one funding, which spanned 24 of the 27 eligible local Government areas.

“Events funded in the first round included the Savannah Way Art Trail, the Nindigully Film and Music Festival and the Outback Paddle Regatta & River Fest in Longreach.

“We encourage round two applicants to think outside the box and consider how their event might increase visitor nights, enticing tourists to stay a little longer and attend existing offerings in the same region or a neighbouring one.

“An enhanced, year-round roster of events will help turn weekend getaways into week-long holidays and that kind of change has the power to transform local economies and create jobs in regional and remote parts of our State.”

The Year of Outback Tourism Events Program is offering $3 million in funding over four rounds, with $1,000 to $100,000 available per application.

Applications for round two funding must be for events delivered between 30 September 2019 and 31 December 2020. The deadline for round two applications is 15 July 2019 and applicants will be notified from September 2019.

For more information on the Year of Outback Tourism Events Program and to apply for funding, please visit www.qld.gov.au/outback

To celebrate the Year of Outback Tourism, the Queensland Government is also giving one lucky Queenslander the chance to win a four-night trip for two to Adels Grove, neighbouring the lush Lawn Hill Gorge within the Boodjamulla National Park.

To win, Queenslanders can visit the competition posts on Facebook or Instagram and outline in 25 words or less which Outback event they’d most like to attend and who they’d take with them on the journey. Entries for the Adels Grove competition close 9pm Sunday 30 June 2019.

For full competition terms and conditions please visit https://events.premiers.qld.gov.au/outback/#win

ENDS

Media Contact:                Chris O’Brien 0419 774 004