Scenic Rim Eat Local Month secures larger slice of the funding pie

Scenic Rim Eat Local Month celebrates the region's food and beverages, produce and farmers.

The economic value of Scenic Rim Eat Local Month has been recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland's (TEQ) total investment of $125,000 in the event over the next two years. 

The Scenic Rim secured the second highest funding amount in the significant investment tier in Round 29 of TEQ's Queensland Destination Events Program, underscoring the economic returns from Eat Local Month which has attracted growing numbers of visitors to the region and seen increased visitor spending. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell MP, said the funding recognised events which attracted visitors to the region and boosted the local economy. 

“Eat Local Month has grown and evolved and is now known to fill local accommodation, shops and restaurants, which is a great boost for local businesses," he said.

“The Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, is keen to back events like this because they bring such benefits to the local community.” 

Scenic Rim's Tourism and Regional Events Portfolio Councillor Jennifer Sanders said Council was grateful for the funding which will assist in the development of new Eat Local Month program initiatives. 

"In the two years since Scenic Rim Eat Local Week became a month-long event it has continued to grow from strength to strength," she said. 

"Eat Local Month is now recognised as Australia's most authentic paddock-to-plate food and farming experience, celebrating our region's food and beverages, produce and farmers against the backdrop of the Scenic Rim's natural beauty and environment. 

"With more than 100 events throughout June 2024, Scenic Rim Eat Local Month attracted almost 13,000 participants, with most coming from outside the region. 

"We saw a 20 per cent increase in the average overnight stay spending and a 29 per cent increase in spending by day trippers which resulted in in Eat Local Month contributing more than $1.72 million to our local economy, an increase of 49 per cent over the previous year.  

"The assurance of funding for Eat Local Month in 2025 and 2026 will enable Council to develop an exciting new program that will draw even more visitors to the Scenic Rim." 

From lavish long lunches and decadent dinners hosted by leading Queensland chefs, to family-friendly farm gate experiences by local growers, Eat Local Month's 2025 program includes tastings, tours, talks, masterclasses and workshops for all ages.  

A new focus for Scenic Rim Eat Local Month in 2025 will be the growth of visitation by tour groups and the addition of temporary accommodation options over the Winter Harvest Festival weekend. 

In addition to the Winter Harvest Festival and the Fermented Festival, which are key events on the Eat Local Month calendar, planning is underway for another signature event in the Scenic Rim's east. 

Offering something for every taste and budget, five weekends of carefully curated itineraries from 30 May to 29 June are also being developed to help visitors make the most of their Scenic Rim experience. 

Scenic Rim Eat Local Month 2025 is also being billed as an opportunity for locals to share the region with family and friends. 

"Invite your friends and family to taste the freshest local produce, sip award-winning wines, and explore our stunning landscapes," Cr Sanders said. 

"Whether they’re here for a weekend getaway or a special event, Eat Local Month is a wonderful way to celebrate our region's rich food and farming heritage and catch up with family and friends." 

In another first, the Scenic Rim Agricultural Expo will be held during Eat Local Month on 13 and 14 June showcasing local farmers, innovation in agricultural land management and production, unique lifestyle products and produce including food, wine and craft beer for which the region has achieved national and international recognition.  

"I am excited by the opportunities that have been made possible for Scenic Rim Eat Local Month in the next two years through Tourism and Events Queensland's support for our region," Cr Sanders said.