Biggest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere secures new funding

• Mount Isa Mines Rodeo receives a new three-year major events funding deal
• The event this year is expected to generate $9.5 million for the local economy and support more than 60,000 visitor nights
• Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is the biggest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere 

The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is set to return for another three years in a deal secured by the Palaszczuk Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, designed to drive the growth of the visitor economy in Outback Queensland.

The new funding agreement will support a suite of events over the four-day festival, including the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo which has been a recent addition to the program to highlight the amazing talents of Indigenous rodeo competitors and Indigenous stockmen and stockwomen.

The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is the largest and richest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts tens of thousands of people who stay more than 60,000 nights.

This year the event is expected to generate $9.5 million to the Far-North Queensland region while highlighting the many and varied tourist attractions Queensland has to offer.

Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

“The Mount Isa Mines rodeo is a significant draw card for Outback Queensland and the event has continued to grow since its inception in 1959.

“Investing in events is vital to Queensland as they support local jobs, attract visitation, showcase our destinations and generate millions for the local economy.

“The new funding agreement comes as Mount Isa celebrates 100 years of their thriving community and flagship events, so there is no better time to renew our support.

“The next 100 years are set to be even greater, as our government rolls out Copperstring 2032 – connecting the North West minerals province to the Supergrid and unlocking billions in untapped critical minerals.

“This investment will support good jobs for the future and create a pipeline of secure work in regional Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe   

“The Palaszczuk Government is backing the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo for a further three years as this iconic event continues to attract thousands of people to the region.

“Now 64 years strong the event is an unmissable Outback Queensland visitor experience that keeps the local economy riding high and enhances Queensland’s reputation as the events capital of Australia.

“The major events funding through Tourism and Events Queensland ensures that we can continue to stage and build on our world class It’s Live in Queensland events calendar.”

Quotes attributable to TEQ CEO Patricia O’Callaghan  

“Saddle up because events in Queensland are a key driver in growing our visitor economy and we are delighted to secure a new three-year major events funding agreement with Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.

“Born and bred in Mount Isa I have been coming to the rodeo since I was young, and I know first-hand how much this event puts back into the community and it’s so great to be able to support this event into the future.

“Here in Queensland, we want experiences that can be found nowhere else on earth and destinations that make you feel renewed and inspired.

Quotes attributable to Natalie Flecker, CEO Mount Isa Mines Rodeo

“Everyone here at rodeo is thrilled to have our funding approved – from the organising team, the event callers, the local businesses who take part and benefit from such a huge event and our volunteers to our riders and their families from right across Australia.

Rodeo brings the bucks that can land a cowboy or cowgirl in the red dirt of Buchanan Park arena, and it brings the bucks that represent a series economic injection for the Outback, and we welcome both!”

Ends

Premier’s office – Asaesja Young: 0423 339 899

Tourism Minister’s office – Bill Walker: 0437 859 987