Tasmanian Government working to attract more festivals and events

The Tasmanian Government is aiming to bring more festivals and events to the north of the island by developing its Northern Culture and Festivals Infrastructure Plan.

The strategy is part of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and is being actioned by the government in collaboration with tourism organisation Visit Northern Tasmania.

Minister for Sport and Events Nic Street said the plan was an important step for the north of the state.

“Having a long-term plan in place to support our culture and festivals infrastructure is critical, and we are pleased to see the wheels in motion,” Street said.

“Festivals and events play a significant role in growing Tasmania’s visitor economy, and it is key that we explore the needs of the sector so that we can forecast opportunities for growth, as well as support events that will attract visitors to our state.

“That is why we made the development of this plan a commitment in the first 100 days, so the north of the State can continue to benefit from a booming events sector.”

Visit Northern Tasmania will manage development of the strategy in collaboration with Events Tasmania.

It is set to align the project with work being undertaken by DarkLab, which operates venues and cultural events on the island, towards a southern venue strategy.

It is expected to be completed in the next 12 months.

“A key part of developing the plan will be bringing together a steering committee from across the events, tourism, hospitality and infrastructure sectors, as well as local councils,” Duigan said.

“We expect this work to include an audit of the current event and festival venues in the north and north-west and consider opportunities to encourage more events.

“Importantly, it will analyse proposed developments and their cultural, social and economic impacts and within, and for, the regions.

“If we want to attract and retain vibrant and healthy festivals and events in the north, and across the state more broadly, we need to make sure the infrastructure is there, and that’s what we are examining.”