That’s right! The Coconet Classic 2009 has been selected to receive assistance from Queensland Events under the Regional Development Scheme! This will give such a massive boost to the local event and help us to sustain it for the future. A massive thank-you must be given to the Queensland Events team for their help and dedication to the growth and development of worthy events such as this.
Queensland’s regional events are big winners.
Events across regional Queensland have been the big winners, with the announcement of $779,000 worth of funding to support 41 events as part of Round 15 of the Queensland Events Regional Development Scheme (QERDP).Premier Anna Bligh highlighted that the QERDP has been a catalyst for communities throughout Queensland to attract more tourists.
“The more ways that we can support communities throughout regional Queensland the better,” said Ms Bligh.
“Many of these events have proven their worth in years gone by and through their funding under the scheme we have been able to assist them in further developing.”
“The QERDP supports a mix of well known and lesser known events, but they all have proven their ability to boost their local economies, bring communities together and raise the profile of their region throughout the state, country and, in some cases, across the world.”
In this round, the element of active participation is common, with events that encourage exercise in some form featuring heavily - the ARL Masters Rugby League Tournament, AFL National Masters, Western Games, Aussie Nash House Harriers, Festival of Walks, the Drumley Walk and the Etchells Australian Winter Championships (sailing) - all receiving funding.
“The Round 15 funding is wide-spread throughout Queensland and I am pleased to be able to provide this level of support to so many wonderful events,” said Ms Bligh.
“Encouraging and supporting these events will help them reach their full potential, so improving the spirit of local communities and boosting tourism and industry that bring economic benefits to all of us in Queensland.”
The Premier said that events would use the allocated funding for initiatives such as employing marketing personnel, producing promotional material and websites, and hiring infrastructure.
In Round 15, 41 events received funding, bringing the total of funded events since the beginning of the scheme in 2001 to 548. The Government has invested $11.5 million through the QERDP.
Ms Bligh said she is delighted by the continuing success of the program which she said is testament to its ability to bring social and economic benefits to Queensland.
Queenslanders wanting information about QERDP and the application process can call the secretariat in Townsville on 1300 881 255 or visit www.queenslandevents.com.au.
Round 16 will close on 13 February 2009 for projects held from 1 July 2009 up to and including 31 December 2010.
