Published Thursday, 23 May, 2013 at 01:26 PM

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Jann Stuckey

Flood affected regional events receive financial boost

Special financial support packages will help reschedule regional events affected by floods earlier this year.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey today announced 17 successful applications for the Events Flood Assistance Program (EFAP).

“Seventeen regional Queensland events will now receive funding totalling $150,000 through the EFAP,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Events in flood-declared council areas that suffered or were cancelled as a result of the floods were eligible to apply.

“Regional events are a great source of community pride and also bring significant economic and social benefits to the host community.

“By attracting visitors and tourists, these events support local communities and local economies, and we want to ensure they can go ahead as planned, or are re-staged.”

The EFAP funds will be used to help with hiring temporary infrastructure, engaging specialists to develop the event and marketing costs.

The State Government recognises the importance of regional events in generating tourism and continues to provide support through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Regional Development Program.

“To date, more than $21 million has been invested in 976 regional events across the state through the Regional Development Program,” Ms Stuckey said.

Supporting regional tourism also contributes to the Government’s goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.

Successful EFAP events:
Heart of Gold International Film Festival    11 to 14 July, Gympie
Cane to Coral Classic                              4 August, Bundaberg
Bargara Strawberry Fair                           3 August, Bargara
Laidley A&I Annual Show and Rodeo           5 to 7 July, Laidley
Laidley Spring Festival                            12 to 14 September, Laidley
Kilkivan ACA National Finals                       4 to 7 September, Kilkivan
Tom Quilty Gold Cup                                7 to 9 June, Kilkivan
Voices@Cania                                        24 to 25 August, Cania
Scots in the Bush                                   16 to 18 August, Boondooma
Teebar Show and Sports Stampede           15 June, Boompa
Tiaro Farming and Lifestyle Field Day          13 July, Tiaro
The Village Festival                                 16 to 18 August, Yeppoon
2013 Australian SuperMoto Championships    6 to 8 September, Proserpine
2013 Whitsunday Film Festival                   20 to 30 June, Airlie Beach and Bowen
70th Anniversary Catalina Memorial Bowen    17 August, Bowen
Airlie Beach Race Week                              9 to 16 August, Airlie Beach
Clash of the Paddles                                  20 to 24 June, Hamilton Island



[ENDS] 23 May 2013

Media Enquiries
Minister’s office – James O’Loan, 0439 291 268
Tourism and Events Queensland – 3535 5010