CMC Rocks on as Queensland cements status as Australia's events capital

• The Crisafulli Goverment has locked in support for CMC Rocks QLD for two more years as part of its plan to cement Queensland as the events capital of Australia. 
• CMC Rocks QLD is the biggest country and roots music festival in the southern hemisphere and will celebrate its 20^th anniversary in 2027.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy by securing more events through Destination 2045 after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government. 

The Crisafulli Government has locked in CMC Rocks QLD through to 2028, cementing Queensland's reputation as Australia's events capital and securing the future of the Southern Hemisphere's biggest country and roots music festival. 

The commitment will keep the festival in Queensland through its milestone 20^th anniversary, bringing thousands of visitors to Queensland and millions of dollars into the visitor economy. 

Backing major events like CMC Rocks is part of the Crisafulli Government's Destination 2045 plan to grow Queensland's visitor economy and cement the State's reputation as Australia's events capital. 

Unlike the former Labor Government, who had a secret plan to cut tourism funding by 95 per cent, the Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy and backing regional events. 

The 2027 festival, to run from 17 to 21 March, is expected to attract almost 11,000 visitors, generate more than 101,000 visitor nights and contribute around $17.5 million to the Queensland economy.  

It follows a record-breaking 2026 festival, which delivered the highest ticket sales in CMC Rocks QLD history. 

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was backing Queensland's future by securing major events that attract visitors, support businesses and create jobs. 

"Queensland is open for business, open for visitors and open for the biggest events on the calendar," Minister Powell said. 

"CMC Rocks has become a Queensland success story, drawing thousands of visitors to our regions, supporting local businesses and giving people another reason to choose Queensland. 

"Through Destination 2045, we're backing the events that grow our visitor economy and cement Queensland as Australia's events capital, unlike the former Labor Government which planned to slash tourism funding by 95 per cent." 

Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause said the region was proud to remain the home of one of the country's biggest music festivals. 

"Every year CMC Rocks puts the spotlight on our region, bringing visitors, filling local businesses and delivering real economic benefits right across our community," Mr Krause said. 

"This commitment gives local businesses confidence for the future and shows the Crisafulli Government is serious about backing regional Queensland and the events that support local jobs." 

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said CMC Rocks QLD had become one of Queensland's most successful and enduring music tourism drawcards. 

"For two decades, CMC Rocks QLD has created unforgettable experiences for fans while attracting thousands of visitors to Queensland,” Mr Davidson said.  

"The festival has built an extraordinary reputation, with music lovers travelling from across Australia and overseas for the chance to see world-class artists in a uniquely Queensland setting." 

CMC Rocks Festival Director Jeremy Dylan said he welcomed the extension, saying Queensland had become synonymous with the event. 

"We are thrilled to be extending our partnership with our partners at the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland,” Mr Dylan said.  

“For over a decade, and more than half of CMC Rocks' history, we have made our home in Queensland and look forward to more years and many more memories to come.  

“Our festival is in essence a community that comes together for this special weekend, some from down the road and some from across the globe, when Willowbank becomes the centre of the country music universe." 

Festival Director and Chairman of Chugg Entertainment Michael Chugg said the festival's upcoming 20th anniversary made the extension particularly significant. 

“CMC Rocks has felt right at home in Queensland since arriving there in 2015, and we’re so proud to continue our partnership for another two years,” Mr Chugg said.  

“There’s something special about seeing fans travel from across Australia and the world to gather in the Sunshine State for this festival, and we never take that support for granted.  

“With CMC Rocks going from strength to strength, and our 20-year celebration coming up in 2027, we’re excited for what the next two years will bring.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth McCosker, 0406 331 114