THE state government has announced major funding boosts to ensure the ongoing success of the Falls Music and Arts Festival at Marion Bay.
It will provide $287,525 in infrastructure funding to develop the site and improve the venue for patrons, and will also provide $100,000 over the next two years to assist with operational costs.
“The Falls Festival is a major event for the people of Lyons and I welcome this commitment from the Bartlett government,” said Lyons state Labor candidate Rebecca White.
“This funding will help the Falls continue to develop its reputation as one of the top festivals on the Australian calendar.”
An Economic Benefit Assessment conducted by Essential Economics Pty Ltd reported last year’s festival injected $22.5 million into the Tasmanian economy.
But the festival also plays a youth tourism role.
Some 6751 tickets (42 per cent for the 2009/10 festival) have been bought by interstate and international visitors and with workers, performers and media added, the Falls is bringing into Tasmania 7440 people.
“This shows the Falls Festival plays a significant role as an ambassador for what Tasmania has to offer, particularly young visitors,” Ms White said.
“If these people leave the state impressed with their experience here, they’ll be back again and again.”
The government’s infrastructure spending is being matched dollar for dollar by festival operator Ashlorien Management Pty Ltd, bringing the total additional infrastructure investment to $575,050.
Site works include road infrastructure, the building of ticket booths, fencing, irrigation, work to the stages and the construction of more than 100 environmentally friendly toilets.
“This construction phase will provide local jobs to local people,” Ms White said.
The full Falls program of more than 50 artists, including 23 international acts, can be found on the Falls Festival website at www.fallsfestival.com
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Media enquiries: Rebecca White, 0406 490 081