Eat Local Month reaps rich harvest for Scenic Rim

The Scenic Rim's first-ever Eat Local Month in 2023 has produced a cornucopia of economic benefits that have added almost $1.2 million to the region and enhanced the event's reputation as a one of Australia's most authentic paddock-to-plate farming experiences.

A report tabled at yesterday's Ordinary Meeting of Council detailed the outcomes of Eat Local Month, which has grown from one week of 25 events with an attendance of just 900 in 2011 to a month-long celebration of 139 events in June 2023 that attracted some 11,697 visitors, most of whom were from outside the region.

The Scenic Rim's Tourism and Regional Events Portfolio Councillor Jeff McConnell said Council's decision to expand Eat Local Week, following a strategic review involving more than 50 stakeholders in 2022, was well supported by the event's resounding success.

"Eat Local Month not only realised a shared vision for an authentic celebration of the Scenic Rim's food, produce, farmers and the region's natural beauty through a packed program including farm gate events, hands-on workshops and culinary experiences but also achieved new goals and objectives," he said.

"We saw increased spending by overnight visitors and day trippers, the development of new food tourism and agritourism experiences, increased community pride in our region and recognition of our producers as well as a boost to our region's reputation as a leading destination for food tourism.

"Importantly, the average daily spend of interstate visitors this year was $336.43, well outstripping that of $180.42 in 2022, and media coverage worth an estimated $4.1 million reached some 24 million people generating increased brand awareness for the Scenic Rim."

More than 60 per cent of Eat Local Month event experiences were presented for the first time and more than 75 per cent of events were sold out or achieved their attendance targets.

The introduction of a centralised ticketing platform in 2023 along with independent research has provided more accurate attendance figures and data on visitor expenditure.

Some 95 per cent of visitors surveyed said Eat Local Month added to the Scenic Rim's appeal and 78 per cent said their attendance at Eat Local Month would make them more likely to buy more produce from the region.

The expanded event in 2023 featured three weekends focused on the west, centre and east of the region and also saw the introduction of a 'side plates' initiative creating synergies between Eat Local Month and events such as the Clydesdale Spectacular and Kalbar and Boonah shows in June.

Showcasing the value of local, fresh and seasonal produce and the region's farmers, makers and growers, Eat Local Month has achieved Significant Event status in Queensland and since 2015 has received Queensland Destination Events Program funding.

Mayor Greg Christensen said it was important not to lose sight of the origins of Eat Local Month, which began as a simple event to support the region's agricultural producers and that agriculture was and would continue to be a cornerstone of the region's economy.

"Our agricultural producers have a deep connection to the productive footprint that underpins our region and you don't get much more authentic than the connection with the richness of the soil," he said.

"It's a joy to see the success of Eat Local Month."

Mayor Christensen said Council was grateful for the support of Tourism and Events Queensland and the farmers, growers, producers, artisans and chefs behind the quality food and beverages for which the Scenic Rim has won worldwide renown.

"The success of Eat Local Month 2023 would not have been possible without the sponsorship of Kalfresh Vegetables, Moffatt Fresh Produce, Urban Utilities, the Community Bank Kalbar and District (Bendigo Bank), and Brisbane Economic Development Agency or the support of thousands of visitors who have embraced our region."