- The Crisafulli Government is cementing Queensland as the events capital of Australia, securing the Gympie Music Muster for three more years.
- The country music festival is expected to deliver 220,000 visitor nights and inject more than $51 million into the Queensland economy across the three-year period.
- Events like the Gympie Music Muster deliver on the Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 vision after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government is locking in support for the Gympie Music Muster through to 2029, backing one of Queensland’s most iconic events and reinforcing the State’s reputation as Australia’s events capital.
Fresh off another successful Muster weekend, the Crisafulli Government has extended its partnership with the festival for a further three years, providing certainty for one of Australia’s most beloved regional events.
For more than 40 years, the Gympie Music Muster has drawn music fans from across the country, generating millions for local businesses and showcasing the best of regional Queensland.
The extension is expected to deliver more than 220,000 visitor nights and inject more than $51 million into the Queensland economy, supporting local jobs, businesses and communities.
Through Destination 2045, the Crisafulli Government is getting tourism and events back on track after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, which had a secret plan to cut tourism funding by 95 per cent.
The Gympie Music Muster presents more than 140 artists across nine venues in the unique setting of the Amamoor Creek State Forest and is renowned for its strong community spirit, camping culture and loyal following.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was backing events that deliver for Queensland.
“The Gympie Music Muster is a Queensland icon, and we’re making sure it stays that way,” Minister Powell said.
“Through Destination 2045, we’re investing in the events, experiences and destinations that keep Queensland firmly on the map as Australia’s events capital.
“The Muster puts heads in beds, supports local jobs and businesses, and brings visitors from across Australia into the heart of regional Queensland, delivering lasting benefits long after the final encore.”
Member for Gympie Tony Perrett said the extended partnership was a huge win for the region.
“The Gympie Music Muster is part of our region’s identity, and this commitment gives organisers, local businesses and volunteers confidence for the years ahead,” Mr Perrett said.
“Every year the Muster welcomes thousands of visitors to our backyard, supporting local accommodation providers, cafes, retailers and tourism operators.
“This commitment means the music will keep playing and the economic benefits will keep flowing across Gympie and the surrounding region.”
Gympie Music Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh said the event was extremely grateful for the continued support of the Crisafulli Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
“This commitment provides certainty not just for our event, but for the community groups, artists and local businesses who make the Muster what it is,” Mr Cavanagh said.
“We are proud to deliver strong tourism outcomes for Queensland, and this extension through to 2029 recognises the cultural, community and economic value the Muster generates year after year.
“It strengthens our shared vision for showcasing regional Queensland at its very best.”
Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Craig Davidson said the extension reflected the enduring strength of the event and the results it delivers for the State.
“The Gympie Music Muster is one of Queensland’s standout regional events, attracting visitors and generating significant economic and community benefits year after year,” Mr Davidson said.
“This extension recognises the enduring appeal of the Muster and the important role it plays in Queensland’s events calendar, bringing together generations of music fans in a uniquely Queensland setting.”
