The Southern Downs should be foot-tapping, boot sliding and humming to the sound of more music.
At least, that is the hope of Cr Joel Richters, who’s portfolio in the region includes events.
Cr Richters recently met with two important cogs in the wheels of music and tourism to manifest improved musical events in the shire. Daryl Raven, CEO of the Queensland Music Festival Trails (QMF Trails) and Craig Davidson, CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland had a prolonged chat with Cr Richters recently.
“Bringing QMF Trails to the Southern Downs would be a win for jobs, for small businesses and for our farmers, winemakers and artists,” Mr Richters told the Town & Country Journal.
Queensland Music Trails is a musical-slash-tourism experience that allows aficionados the chance to “discover the wonders of Queensland through iconic music events.”
Since its inception in 1999, Queensland Music Festival (QMF) has delivered events to over 1 million people across 106 metropolitan, regional, and remote communities. QMF is internationally known for bringing leading artists and communities together to create ambitious events that authentically celebrate the cultural identity of Queensland.
In 2020, Queensland Music Festival evolved beyond its biennial festival model to become QMF: a strategic music agency helping Queensland communities by designing unique solutions to social, cultural and economic challenges.
Cr Richters says that QMF Trails can deliver “measurable visitor spending” and extended visitor stays in regional areas like the Southern Downs.
“The trails are designed as drive itineraries that encourage visitors to travel between towns and stay overnight, thereby boosting off-peak occupancy and spreading tourism dollars across a wider section of a region. A QMF Trails event, paired with our vineyard cellar-door evenings, farm-gate experiences and local produce would amplify what makes our region unique.”
No firm agreements have been made at this stage but the conversation continues.
