MEDIA STATEMENT: Mount Isa Rodeo lives to ride another day

Published Wednesday, 18 December, 2024 at 10:08 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew Powell

Mount Isa Rodeo lives to ride another day

  • Queensland Government backs Mount Isa City Council to revive the iconic Mount Isa Rodeo
  • The Mount Isa City Council will receive an extra $2 million in Government funding taking their Mount Isa Transition Fund allocation to $7.3 million
  • The Queensland Government has struck a deal with the Mount Isa City Council to deliver the rescue package to the iconic country tourism event first held in 1959.

The Queensland Government has breathed life back into the iconic Mount Isa Rodeo by boosting the Mount Isa Transition Fund grant to the Mount Isa City Council to ensure the ongoing viability of the Mount Isa Rodeo.

As part of the one-off grant to the Mount Isa City Council from the $20 million Mount Isa Transition Fund, the additional funding will allow the rodeo to ride into its 66th year.

The Mount Isa Rodeo was placed into voluntary administration in October 2024 and the funding will allow the council to ensure the continuation of the event.

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the grant boost would allow the Mount Isa Council to support the rodeo that would deliver economic benefits to the region.

“The Mount Isa Rodeo is an iconic regional tourism event for the North-West and for Queensland,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The Crisafulli LNP Government is proud to support the Mount Isa Rodeo, as it attracts 25,000 attendees and visitors to the region, stimulates the local economy and supports local jobs.

“Today’s funding announcement has not only saved the Mount Isa Rodeo but it also sends a strong message to Queenslanders that the Crisafulli LNP Government backs outback tourism.”

Minister for Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the Mount Isa Rodeo was a critical event for the region.

“Tourism is an important industry in the North-West of our state and there is no bigger drawcard for Mount Isa than its famous rodeo,” Mr Powell said.

“As well as the economic benefits that the rodeo provides the city and the region, these kinds of events are an important opportunity for the Mount Isa community, friends, families and visitors to come together, creating community pride and connection.’’

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Thomson 0447 221 816