September events to generate $63m boost to Queensland’s economy

From Riverfire to Kiss, the Birdsville Races and Matildas, Queensland’s economy is set for a $63m boost this month with holiday makers told to book well in advance.

From the Riverfire spectacle to the heavy metal of Kiss, Birdsville Races to a festival of flowers, Queensland is set to reap the rewards of a $63m economic boost from a blockbuster September events calendar.

With the September school holidays fast approaching, Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe has encouraged potential holiday makers to get in early to secure bookings.

In holiday destinations like the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Cairns and the Whitsundays, bookings have reached nearly 80 per cent while airport traffic has surpassed pre-pandemic levels at some domestic terminals.

Kiss will be performing across South East Queensland this week. Picture: Bernd Thissen/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Mr Hinchliffe said Queensland and its beautiful spring weather offered up something for everyone.

That’s despite the Brisbane Broncos’ late season collapse ruling out their chance to host a final at a packed Suncorp Stadium.

“September has begun with a bang with the Brisbane Festival and Riverfire kicking off which represents a $63m economic boost for September alone,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We have the Toowoomba carnival of flowers, the Birdsville Races, Cairns Amateurs, so many events bringing great contributions and visitors here.”

The 23-day Brisbane Festival and Riverfire is tipped to generate $36m alone and support more than 1000 artists while 25,000 packed in for the Matildas clash against Canada.

Staying in football circles, Suncorp Stadium is also set to host the Socceroos’ final home game before the World Cup against New Zealand and rock n roll legends Kiss will play on the Gold Coast.

Australia’s Sam Kerr in action at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. Photo: Albert Perez/Getty Images

“It would have been great to see more Queensland finals either in Brisbane or Townsville, and it was good to see the Brisbane Lions get a home final last week,” he said.

“So all these events are maybe a way of softening the blow of the Broncos bowing out.

“It is hard. It’s a real challenge at this time of year but that’s the great thing about the unpredictability of sport.”

Mr Hinchliffe said Queensland’s variety was one of its biggest draw cards to attracting interstate visitors.

Race goers, tourists and locals arrive and enjoy the start of the iconic Birdsville races on Saturday. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/MaxAgency

Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive Leanne Coddington said Queensland was in for a bumper September school holidays.

“Australians have really supported Queensland this year and we know that this will be no different, but we really want to bring it home for the rest of the year,” Ms Coddington said.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to come and have a holiday here.”