Regional events stimulate Scenic Rim economy

Regional events are tipped to bring a combined economic impact of at least $5.5 million to the Scenic Rim in 2021, as bushfire recovery funding enables the region to bump up its calendar of events. 

Signature regional events in 2021 will include the Great Gondwana Festival, co-hosted by ecotourism icons Binna Burra Lodge, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat and Mt Barney Lodge, a gala concert in collaboration with Queensland Music Festival and the 10th anniversary of Scenic Rim Eat Local Week.

Those three events alone are expected to bring an estimated combined return of $5.5 million.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the Scenic Rim was ready to shine in 2021.

"The new signature events planned for delivery in 2021 and beyond will be welcome additions to the annual calendar of major events in Scenic Rim, providing increased visitation and positive economic return to the region," he said. 

"Council has been extremely successful in attracting Bushfire and COVID funding support for regional events, and we cannot wait to cement the Scenic Rim's reputation as a region known for its vibrant tourism offerings and genuine visitor experiences."

Cr Christensen said smaller events, supported through Council's Regional Event Grant Program, were also key to stimulating the Scenic Rim economy.

"Before COVID-19 forced the cancellation of many events, Council supported the Kayak State Sprint Championships at Lake Wyaralong, the Summer Silhouette Sculptures and Sunday Session at Mt Barney Lodge and the Old School Carralbyn at Kooralbyn," he said.

"Once events started to open up again, Council also provided funding support for the Lamington Eco Challenge, Scenic Rim Ultra, Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival and Pony Club QLD State Show Jumping Championships.

"Further to this Council pledged support, through the Regional Events Grant Program, to Beaudesert Rock N Country, the Lost World Trail Festival, Scenic Rim Wedding Trail, The Gondwana Festival - Binna Burra Lodge re-opening (a component of the Great Gondwana Festival) and the Queensland Enduro Series - all of which have been postponed until 2021.

"Each of these events brings valuable visitor dollars to the Scenic Rim through overnight stays and spending in local shops, which in turn also helps to create jobs.

“Council is proud to provide funding support through its Regional Events Program, which operates in responsive rounds open all year. I encourage event organisers to apply."

Background re. major regional events being delivered in 2021: 

• The Great Gondwana Festival is expected see an estimated economic return of $1,734,794 to the Scenic Rim. The festival will be delivered through $145,000 from the Regional Tourism Bushfires Recovery Grants Program, secured by Brisbane Economic Development Agency. 

• The POPera in the Paddock* gala concert is expected to see an estimated economic return of $1.3 million to the Scenic Rim. It will be delivered through $145,000 from the Australian Government via Austrade's Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants program, secured by the Scenic Rim Regional Council and $100,000 in funding from Queensland Music Festival. Council is also hopeful of an additional $55,000 from the Drought Communities Program administered by Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (awaiting confirmation). 

• The 10th anniversary of Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, featuring special anniversary celebrations from 26 June to 4 July 2021, is expected to bring an economic return of $2.5 million.

*POPera in the Paddock is a working title for the gala concert being delivered in collaboration with Queensland Music Festival. The name of the event is subject to change.