Gold Coast regional events will receive an $85,000 funding boost after the Bligh Government invested in four local events under the latest round of the Events Queensland Regional Development Program (EQRDP).
“Events are an important way of driving up tourist numbers on the Gold Coast,” Member for Broadwater and Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Premier on the Gold Coast and Commonwealth Games, Peta-Kaye Croft, said today.
“They generate community pride, attract visitors, and support local jobs, businesses and the tourism industry.
“The Gold Coast’s reputation for delivering major sporting events helped it secure the 2018 Commonwealth Games which will deliver a massive boost for jobs and tourism in the region.
“But there are many great experiences on offer on the Gold Coast and that’s why the Queensland Government is proud to continue this year’s investment in events with an additional $85,000 in funding to support the local region,” she said.
“Investing in events – whether they be the 2018 Commonwealth Games, major, regional or business events – is part of our plan to continue building Queensland’s bright future.”
Events to receive funding under Round 21 of the EQRDP program include:
- BLEACH Surfing the Fringe 2012, Gold Coast. A festival which celebrates the “artistic expression” of surfing and highlights the “off the water” aspects of surfing culture including photography, fashion and music. Held 28 January-9 March 2012. Funding amount $25,000.
- Burleigh Pro 2012, Burleigh. A surfing event held at iconic surfing location and with a record of attracting some of the world’s best surfing talent. Held 7-12 February 2012. Funding amount $25,000.
- Surfers Paradise Festival 2012, Surfers Paradise – an annual community celebration of music, food, fashion, film and art. Held 16 June-9 July 2012. Funding amount $30,000
- Queensland Ocean Swim Series 2012, located between Kirra Beach, Coolangatta and Kings Beach. Described as three unique open water swimming events in three unique locations. held 15-29 April 2012. Funding amount for the Gold Coast events $5,000.
Ms Croft said the latest round of funding brought the total number of events supported under the program to 856 and a total investment of $18.3 million since the program began in 2001.
“We know that events – whether they are major, regional or business events – can make a real difference to the communities that host them by providing vital support to the tourism industry,” Ms Croft said.
“That’s why the Queensland Government recently increased funding to the EQRDP by $600,000 per annum bringing the total program fund to $3 million per annum.”
To find out more about events in Queensland visit www.eventsqld.com.au