Visitors will have 15 more reasons to make tracks through the Queensland Outback with the second round of the Year of Outback Tourism Events Program announced in Parliament today.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said late last year she declared 2019 the Year of Outback Tourism and initiated the $3 million Year of Outback Tourism Events Program to help our outback communities doing it tough due to the long-running drought.
"The best help we can give our outback towns is to visit them," the Premier said.
"By backing the bush, we boost the bush and we're doing everything we can to help entice people to get out there and experience everything the Outback has to offer.
"Round one saw 26 events and experiences benefit from more than $1.1 million and contributed to the 2019 It's Live! In Queensland calendar of events.
"Today I am pleased to announce a further 15 events will share in $679,500 under round two including the Curry Merry Muster Festival in Cloncurry and The Outback Food, Wine and Music Festival in Longreach.
"Five of these events are brand new including the Diamantina Delights Festival in Birdsville and the Undara Outback Rockabilly Rods and Rides Festival at Mount Surprise.
"We're funding Karumba's Anglers Classic, a barramundi fishing competition, and festivals ranging from the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival to the inaugural Festival of Outback Opera in Mount Isa.
"There's also Cloncurry's "Back to the 40s" World War II History Experience where you'll learn about Outback Queensland's unique role as a military operations base in the Second World War.
"Qantas will celebrate their 100th anniversary next year, and we will be supporting the Qantas Founders Outback Museum with their centenary celebrations.
"Next year the shears will be clicking in Thargomindah, fireworks will be going off above the 'Watering Hole' in Thallon, Easter will be celebrated in Roma, a cattle drive reunion will be held in Aramac, and the Outback's unique role as a military operations base during the Second World War will be commemorated in Cloncurry.
"And there are even more opportunities for funding available from today with round three of the Year of Outback Tourism Events Program now open.
"Outback tourism is already worth more than $350 million and supports 3700 jobs, and our Government is working closely with local governments and businesses, community organisations and festival promoters to ensure these numbers continue to grow."
Applications for round three close 4 November 2019.
