Community urged to get behind the Scenic Rim Eat Local Movement

The Scenic Rim community is being urged to get behind the region's Eat Local Movement and local businesses by casting their votes in the 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards.

Recognising outstanding achievements in Queensland's tourism industry, the awards are presented in 31 categories ranging from attractions to events, tours and transport, accommodation, restaurants, culture and marketing.

At its Ordinary Meeting this week, Council endorsed the attendance of Mayor Tom Sharp and the Scenic Rim's Tourism and Events Portfolio Councillor Jennifer Sanders at the DestinationIQ conference and DestinationQ Forum followed by the awards gala during Tourism Week in Brisbane in November.

As a nominee for the RACQ People's Choice Award, the Scenic Rim Eat Local Movement encompasses Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, Farm Gate Trail, Scenic Rim Farm Box and marketing campaigns supporting the paddock-to-plate culture of local agri-tourism and food producers which has already won international acclaim for the region.

Cr Sanders said the Eat Local Movement was at the heart of the Scenic Rim's way of life.

"From paddock-to-plate, it celebrates our farmers, makers, and producers through a unique collaboration between Council, our community, and local operators," she said.

"Through this partnership we’re building pride in our region, supporting our thriving food and agri-tourism industries and creating unforgettable experiences for visitors through initiatives such as Eat Local Month.

"This signature event each June, featuring more than 100 authentic food and farming experiences, has been key to building the Scenic Rim's reputation as a gourmet destination."

Cr Sharp said he hoped the Scenic Rim Eat Local Movement would continue its winning streak, having taken a silver award for Excellence in Food Tourism in 2022 and bronze awards in this category in 2023 and 2024.

Council is in the running for the 2025 Excellence in Food Tourism Award but members of the Scenic Rim community have the opportunity to support the region by casting their vote in the RACQ People's Choice Award online at  racq.com.au/peopleschoice before 9 October.

"Tourism is one of the Scenic Rim's priority industries and Council's participation in the Queensland Tourism Awards and events such as the DestinationIQ Conference and DestinationQ Forum are vital in continuing to build on this success," Cr Sharp said.

"DestinationIQ is the foremost annual First Nations Tourism Conference and DestinationQ is the industry's premier tourism forum, both of which offer immense value for our region."