Rare Spares Rockynats secures a welcomed tourism funding boost

Published on 23 September 2021

ROCKYNATS - Burnouts action against the Fitzroy River-min.jpg

Rockhampton Regional Council has welcomed the announcement from the Queensland Government that the 2022 Rare Spares Rockynats Car Festival will receive a $20,000 funding boost.

Council successfully secured the grant under Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ)’s Queensland Destination Events Program, a key pillar in the Queensland Government’s Covid-19 Economy Recovery Plan.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the funding is vital to increasing the liveability options for our residents and attracting more visitors to the region. 

“The inaugural Rockynats event saw over 45,000 people in attendance over the 3 days of the event, with 55% of visitors coming from outside the Rockhampton Region,” Mayor Williams said.

“The flow on effects to the whole region saw more than $4.7 million pumped into the local economy and generating 25,000 visitor nights for Rockhampton.

“This was a fantastic result for an event in its inaugural year and really cements Rockhampton’s reputation as the events capital of Central Queensland.

“By hosting events like Rockynats, we are aligning with TEQ’s strategy to bring people together to explore Queensland’s unforgettable experiences.

“We are incredibly pleased to see the Queensland Government recognise the calibre of this event and their contribution will no doubt ensure the 2022 event is even better again.”

Advance Rockhampton’s Executive Manager, Mr Greg Bowden, said the funding is another milestone in our focus upon delivering quality events for the region.

“The festival is a catalyst for change in terms of what Rockhampton has to offer and it has truly cemented its place on our social calendar,” Mr Bowden said.

“We are proud the Rockynats event has been entered into Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards, recognising the event as enhancing the profile, awareness and appeal of the destination it was held in.

“As the Rockynats event continues to grow, visitation to the region will grow, which will in turn grow the visitor economy.

“Additionally, events are integral to supporting jobs and Rockynats provided a significant economic and tourism boost the region in a challenging period.”