CMC Rocks continues to be a powerhouse attraction on Queensland’s events calendar, with figures released by Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard today showing its value to the economy almost doubled over the last year.
Ms Howard has revealed CMC Rocks QLD 2018, held in Ipswich in March, generated more than 53,000 visitor nights for Ipswich – growth three times that of the first event held in Queensland in 2015.
"The 2018 event generated overnight visitor expenditure of $11.34 million, almost double that of the $6.93 million generated in 2017," she said.
"The move to Queensland after outgrowing the Hunter Valley has paid dividends both for the event itself and for Queensland’s economy.
"Since moving to Queensland, CMC Rocks has tripled its overnight visitor expenditure from $2.76 million in 2015 to $11.34 million in 2018."
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the figures released today helped to solidify Queensland’s reputation as a world-class destination for major events.
"The 2018 event sold out 20,000 tickets within an hour," she said.
"CMC Rocks has grown to be the largest international country music festival in the Southern Hemisphere showcasing the best international and national country music superstars.
"The event not only attracts visitors to the region but encourages participants to extend their stay and explore the diverse and unique tourism experiences of Ipswich, the Scenic Rim and wider Brisbane.
"Queensland is a powerhouse for major events. We invest in this sector and support events like CMC Rocks because they generate huge economic value for our economy and create jobs in places like Ipwich."
CMC Rocks festival director Jeremy Dylan said the event was a boom for the local economy.
"To see the impact that CMC Rocks QLD has delivered for both Ipswich and the broader Queensland economies is fantastic", he said.
"We look forward to another successful event in 2019, and for many years to come".
Ms Jones said events like CMC Rocks QLD were key to boosting the local economy, supporting local tourism operators and promoting the beautiful Ipswich region.
"The Queensland Government supported this event through Tourism and Queensland’s It’s Live! in Queensland calendar worth $780 million to the state in 2018.
"Tourism is a vital industry for the wider Brisbane region, worth $7.8 billion to the local economy and supporting around 60,300 local jobs."
CMC Rocks QLD was staged at Willowbank, Ipswich over three massive days in March 2018 delivering an explosive array of international and national country music superstars.
