- The Crisafulli Government is delivering $250,000 to drive tourism recovery across North West Queensland.
- This investment will boost the economy and lift community spirit with 11 events to be held across nine local government areas.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering new opportunities for Queensland through Destination 2045 after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a boost to North West Queensland tourism, with funding for 11 events that will bring more visitors and more dollars to regional Queensland.
From the Gulf to the Outback, the investment will support some of North West Queensland's biggest drawcards, including the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival, Outback by the Sea Festival and Festival of Outback Skies, which together attract more than 11,000 visitors each year.
The Crisafulli Government is backing tourism to drive jobs and growth across regional Queensland, while the former Labor Government's secret plan would have ripped 95 per cent of funding from the tourism industry.
As part of the Crisafulli Government's record $1 billion investment in tourism, Destination 2045 is growing the visitor economy, attracting private investment and strengthening Queensland's reputation as the Home of the Holiday after the former Labor Government's decade of decline.
The funding is being delivered through the Crisafulli Government's North West Queensland Events Boost, helping event organisers attract more visitors, support local businesses and strengthen community pride.
Funding will help event organisers expand their reach through additional marketing and promotion, while enhancing event programs to encourage visitors to stay longer, explore more of the region and spend more in local economies.
The investment will support events across nine local government areas, including Doomadgee, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Etheridge, Flinders, McKinlay, Mount Isa and Richmond.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Queensland was cementing its reputation as Australia's events capital, with regional events playing a critical role in driving visitation and supporting local economies.
"Queensland is the home of the holiday, and we want more visitors heading west to experience the incredible events, landscapes and communities that make North West Queensland so special," Minister Powell said.
"These events don't just create great experiences - they put heads in beds, fill caravan parks, pubs and restaurants, support local operators and deliver real economic benefits for regional communities.
"By backing 11 events across nine communities, the Crisafulli Government is helping drive visitation, grow regional economies and encourage more Queenslanders and interstate visitors to discover this amazing part of our State."
Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Craig Davidson said events were a powerful driver of visitation across Queensland.
"Events are the connector of our Queensland communities, they draw visitors, support local jobs and put these communities on show for the rest of the country," Mr Davidson said.
"This funding will help organisers do more of what they do best, whether that's marketing their event to new audiences or enhancing the experience on the ground by supporting the industry as it recovers from this severe weather and looks ahead."
