Taste food and wine fest wins funding boost
Shire events
Taste Port Douglas has won a $20,000 State Government grant as part of the multi-million dollar Queensland Homegrown Destination Events Fund.
The food and drink festival, to be held from August 6-9 this year, joins a host of other events to win grants including Cardwell’s Australian UFO Festival and the Cooktown Discovery Festival.
Close to $2m was awarded to 40 events for the coming financial year during last week’s Government announcement.
The funding is for growing “standout local events that promote Queensland as a must‑visit destination and drive the visitor economy”.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the grants were part of the Government’s Destination 2045 plan.
“Events draw visitors into our regions, fill hotels, boost local businesses and showcase everything that makes Queensland an unbeatable place to visit,” he said.
“Through this latest round of the Homegrown program, we are delivering real economic and social benefits for communities right across the state.”
Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive Craig Davidson said Queensland’s events portfolio continued to grow in strength and diversity.
“It’s great to see the variety of new events along with the return of some much-loved favourites in this latest round of funding,” he said.
“We welcome all travellers, whether they’re a sport or foodie fanatic, music fan or art lover, to immerse themselves in our culture and experience the very best events and experiences, right here in Queensland.”
As part of the $14m program, organisers can apply for grants of $15,000-$40,000 for “signature events” and $40,000-$100,000 for “significant events”.
