Thursday 12 April 2018

Mt Isa Rodeo delivers for the outback economy

Mt Isa Rodeo
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has today announced a stellar line-up including Aussie rock legend Jimmy Barnes to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee 60th Anniversary Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo.

The event, now a four-day program to be held from August 9-12, will feature live music acts The Viper Creek Band and Shannon Noll (August 10); The McClymonts and Travis Collins (August 11); with Jimmy Barnes, The Wolfe Brothers, James Blundell, Tania Kernaghan and Brewn at the finale 60th Bash.

Ms Jones said the event was a major contributor to outback Queensland’s $573 million tourism industry.

“This event is iconic and Jimmy Barnes is an Australian music legend. I’m proud to announce such a great line-up for the Mt Isa Rodeo’s 60th year,” she said.

“We know visitors to Queensland are looking for a unique experience and the Mt Isa Rodeo gives spectators an authentic taste of the Australian outback.

“Attracting up to 15,000 people a year and generating more than $8 million for the local economy, the Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo definitely deserves its ‘major event’ status.”

Ms Jones said tourism was an important industry in outback Queensland.

“Major events drive visitors to Queensland and support jobs,” she said.

“In the last term of government, our major events calendar doubled in value. This year, it’s tipped to generate $780 million for Queensland.

“But events are particularly important for the outback. In the three years to September 2017 we’ve seen domestic overnight visitation to outback Queensland increase 9.5 per cent.

“Meanwhile, visitor expenditure has increased 9.2 per cent. That’s why we’re committed to supporting events like the Mt Isa Rodeo.”

Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo General Manager Natalie Flecker said the rodeo was started in 1959 by the local Rotary Clubs that wanted to put the fledgling mining town of Mount Isa on the map.

“That first year we had 100 pounds as prize money and drovers walking the stock in from outlying stations,” she said.

“The event has been supported by Mount Isa Mines from its inception and has grown to become the largest rodeo in the southern hemisphere, attracting more than 600 competitors from around Australia and overseas and offering $230,000 in prize money and buckles.”

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