Victorian Coalition supports Echuca Festival
Tourism and Major Events Minister Louise Asher today announced funding of $27,500 to support tourism marketing of the 2013 Echuca's Riverboats Music Festival, fast being recognised as a signature event for the Murray Region.
"As one of Victoria's most unique and iconic festival experiences, held in the historic river towns of Echuca-Moama, the Coalition Government acknowledges the enormous potential this event has in attracting visitation and creating jobs for the region," Ms Asher said.
Member for Rodney Paul Weller said that one of the reasons the festival was proving so popular was the laid-back nature of the event and the iconic setting among the Redgums adjacent to the Murray River.
"This year's opening breakfast set the tone for the revamped festival with local produce at Echuca's legendary Beechworth Bakery, stunning views of the Campaspe River and the intimate sounds of Echuca's own and one of Australia's most up and coming performers, Benny Walker," Mr Weller said.
He added that funding for the 2013 Festival would be used for regional television and radio advertising and online marketing and advertising across Melbourne's live music venues.
The funding from Tourism Victoria's 2012-13 Events Program follows an allocation through the Coalition Government's $2.5 million Tourism Flood Recovery Program to support the 2012 festival, which was used to rebrand and pave the way for the festival to showcase the region as a key tourist destination.
"As part of our vision to enhance tourism across the Murray region, the Coalition Government through Tourism Victoria developed a four-year strategy for the Riverboats Music Festival. Already we are seeing results, with this year's festival attracting a record attendance of over 9,000 people, up from over 4,000 the year before," Ms Asher said.
A Shire of Campaspe's study associated with the 2012 festival indicated that due to 85 per cent of those attending being from outside the region, the economic impact for the local economy was approximately $3.7 million.
The festival will also be supported through a new partnership between Tourism Victoria and Federation Square, which will include a film showcasing the Murray region on the Big Screen for the month of February in 2013.
The 2013 Riverboats Music Festival will be held from Friday 15 February to Sunday 17 February 2013 at the Aquatic Reserve in Echuca.
