Funding reallocated to support Scenic Rim farmers and producers

Local farmers, producers, tourism operators, and entertainers impacted by the COVID-19 Greater Brisbane lockdown in July have received a boost thanks to Scenic Rim Regional Council.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said Council had been able to reallocate some of the unspent Queensland Government grant funds, which were to be specifically directed towards the Scenic Rim Eat Local Week 10th birthday celebrations at the Winter Harvest Festival.

"Following the cancellation of a number of Scenic Rim Eat Local Week events in July, including the Winter Harvest Festival, we had only expended a third of the $150,000 funding for this signature event," he said.

"Council officers acted quickly to seek approval from the Queensland Government Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport to repurpose the remaining $99,256.68 to help those impacted from the economic losses."

Under a funding agreement, Council provided $40,000 to Destination Scenic Rim to support planning and delivery of two Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trails on 28 August and 23 October, and the remaining balance of $59,256.68 will be used to support other regional events.

Destination Scenic Rim Board member and local agritourism operator, Kay Tommerup said Council's support for the event contributed to a more relaxed and well-organised Farm Gate Trail event at Tommerup's Dairy Farm.

"Through Council's support, we were able to connect with local food vendors and musicians, which was fantastic and meant visitors were able to relax in the picnic area, rather than just waiting in line for product or to feed animals and then leave," she said.

"It clearly gave them a break in the drive and time to actually enjoy the day out rather than continually driving from stop to stop. This meant we had more time to engage and connect with customers and let them know why coming to our farm and buying produce means so much.

"The additional funding also meant Destination Scenic Rim was able to dedicate some funds to assist with promoting the Farm Gate Trail to a wider audience and engage professional photographers and a videographer.

"This funding not only boosted the Farm Gate Trail on 28 August but will assist in the ongoing promotion for the next Farm Gate Trail on October 23. 

“All this would not have been possible without the valuable support of Council.”

Mayor Christensen said events like the Farm Gate Trail provide our locals and visitors to the region with the opportunity to meet the 20 local producers that participated, and sample and purchase local products as well as promote overnight accommodation to the region and increased visitation.

"The Farm Gate Trail isn't a new concept for Destination Scenic Rim, however by supporting more producers to get involved, engaging with entertainment and additional marketing, we were able to help support an event that is true to the intent of the Winter Harvest Festival, just spread out across all parts of our region instead of in the one location," he said.

"I would encourage our local communities to check out Destination Scenic Rim's website for details on the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail on 23 October 2021, so they can plan a day out and support their local producers and farmers."

Image:

Tommerup's Dairy Farm - credit, Sabine Bannard.