Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, was supporting ‘Queensland Week’ on the top-rating television show, bringing the full cast and crew to the Sunshine State over the next fortnight to film episodes set to air later in the year.
“Queensland has a vibrant food culture – MasterChef will help to showcase the beauty of our state and great quality of our produce to thousands of viewers across the country,” she said.
“This partnership will shine the spotlight directly on Queensland’s world-class food offering and will have viewers salivating for the freshest seafood, tropical fruits and vegetables and quintessential Queensland food experiences.
“The abundance of great quality local produce across the state is something that sets Queensland apart.
“From Hervey Bay scallops or Mooloolaba prawns straight off the trawlers, to the much sought-after Bowen mango straight from a farm in north Queensland, there’s plenty for tourists to look forward to.
“Visitors to Queensland are spoiled for culinary choices which perfectly reflect our enviable lifestyle and MasterChef will showcase that to the nation.”
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said hosting MasterChef in Queensland would generate great exposure for the state’s tourism sector.
“Millions of people around Australia tune in to MasterChef each week. By hosting MasterChef in Queensland, prospective tourists will have beautiful images of our state beamed into their living rooms,” she said.
“One of Queensland’s bestselling points is our food. We have great produce and a unique foodie culture that will take a leading role on MasterChef this year.
“We’re investing more in tourism than any other government in Queensland’s history because we’re committed to finding new ways to promote our state and create jobs.”
Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Leanne Coddington said the state’s lead marketing agency had invested in the partnership to reinvigorate the way travellers think about food experiences in Queensland.
“Food and beverage experiences are one of the top considerations when choosing a holiday destination and this partnership is about showing Australians how they can enjoy the very best of Queensland’s amazing produce,” Ms Coddington said.
“By positioning Queensland as world-class producer and destination to enjoy unique culinary experiences, we aim to drive visitation and grow our market share.”
Network 10 Queensland general manager Angela Neville said the show would provide a great platform to promote local produce.
“I may be biased but I think Queensland has a lot of incredible food secrets yet to be discovered,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to be working with Tourism and Events Queensland to let the rest of Australia in on the best of our food culture in fun and creative ways.”
MasterChef judge Matt Preston said he’d spent so much time in South-East Queensland, he almost felt like a local.
“Whether that’s Noosa Food and Wine Festival, Regional Flavours or coming up to hang out with mates,” Mr Preston said.
“During those visits, I’ve got to play with an amazing array of Queensland produce - chicken, macadamia nuts, redclaw, mango, pineapple, coconut, black sapote, carrots, pumpkin – the list goes on and on. And I haven’t even started on the seafood”.
Fellow judge George Calombaris said he also loved travelling to Queensland.
“The produce, people and lifestyle are up there with the best our great country has to offer,” Mr Calombaris said.
“I’m really excited that Greek is the word in Queensland right now with two ripper new restaurants open- Hellenika and Greca. I’m so pumped to visit both”.
Network 10’s chief content officer Beverley McGarvey said it was exciting that even after 11 years, MasterChef Australia was going to a place it has never been before.
“We know Queensland has a lot to offer. Some of the show’s most popular contestants have come from Queensland including the finalists from each of the last four seasons - Ben Borsht, Ben Ungermann, Matt Sinclair and Georgia Barnes.”
“Here’s hoping the state can nab a winner this year! I’m really looking forward to seeing the best food experiences the state has to offer in our new season.”
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