Future-focused multimillion-dollar major events’ blueprint released
Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the Sunshine Coast Major Events Strategy 2018-2028 (2023 refresh) at this month’s Ordinary Meeting (August 24), which will continue to drive high economic benefit back to the region.
A Sunshine Coast Council initiative that injected an estimated economic benefit of $85 million* into the local economy and helped create more than 900 jobs* in the past financial year alone has been given the green light until 2028.
Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the Sunshine Coast Major Events Strategy 2018-2028 (2023 refresh) at this month’s Ordinary Meeting (August 24), which will continue to drive high economic benefit back to the region.
Key measures include:
- New initiatives such as creating an “emerging events” category to keep up with the ever-changing events landscape. Emerging events will be assessed differently with a focus placed on their future growth potential.
- Strengthening partnerships with Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland.
- Diversifying events to include more culture and lifestyle events and ensuring there is a balance in the portfolio and ensuring they attract people during off-peak periods.
- Focusing on regional sustainability priorities including Sustainable Development Goals, the Sunshine Coast Biosphere, focusing on driving increased adoption of sustainable practices by event organisers delivering events on the Coast.
- Identifying the major event legacy opportunities of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Ensuring meaningful community engagement takes place as part of event planning.
Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said Council would focus on identifying events that were the best fit for the region.
“We have a unique environment and climate and our community loves events and we will continue to invest in supporting fantastic major events on the Sunshine Coast,” Cr O’Pray said.
“This Strategy will continue to drive high economic benefit back to the region and will create full-time jobs.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said the tourism body looked forward to continuing to work with Council to help drive major events to the region.
“Major events are critical to supporting the Sunshine Coast as a year-round destination as they provide a great opportunity to bring visitors when we need them the most and that is outside of our peak holiday periods,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“The Sunshine Coast has a world-class event calendar that showcases the region’s premium food, arts, sporting and adventure strengths and contributes towards raising the destination’s brand profile.”
In 2022-23 alone, The Sunshine Coast Events Board supported more than 75 events, with an estimated $6.2 million spent on local suppliers and the Strategy includes promoting Events Connect, a dedicated website for Sunshine Coast event suppliers.
Successful events in the region supported under the strategy have included:
- Queensland Garden Expo
- The Maleny Wood Expo
- Australian Wearable Art Festival
- IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast
- Sunshine Coast Marathon
- The Curated Plate
The Sunshine Coast Major Events Strategy was first adopted on 14 June 2018.
For more information visit Council’s website and search for “Major and regional events strategy”.
* YTD major event outcomes for 2022-23 are estimated projections. Actual performance result for 2022-23 will be reported in the Sunshine Coast Events Board’s Annual Report which is produced after acquittals for 2022-23 sponsorship funds are received.