Patrons and politicians heap praise on the 30th Taste of Tasmania

Hobart aldermen are calling for the Taste of Tasmania funding model to be revamped so the burden does not fall on ratepayers.

From left, Naylie Barnes, of Ranelagh, Amanda Thompson, of Lindisfarne, Lisa Rankin, of Lenah Valley, and Dree Tan, of Howrah, enjoy the weather at the Taste. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

HOBART aldermen are calling for the Taste of Tasmania funding model to be revamped so the burden does not fall on ratepayers.

This year’s festival is expected to have drawn record attendance figures – the final tally will be announced on Friday – as Taste of Tasmania festival director Brooke Webb argues the project is now of state significance.

About 230,000 people had strolled through the gates by close of business on Wednesday. Total attendance for the seven-day festival is conservatively estimated to be about 260,000 to 270,000, eclipsing last year’s total of 220,000.

“In the 30 years that we have had at Taste that would be a record,” Ms Webb said.

“That sort of figure puts us in the international festival realm.”

But Ms Webb said Hobart City Council needed to decide whether it was in or out when it came to funding Taste.

“Council needs to make a decision on which way they want to proceed,” she said.

GALLERIES:

DAY 1 | DAY 2 | RACE TO TASTE | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7

Tiffany Fiechtner and friend Edward Laverack farewell the 30th installment of the Taste Of Tasmania. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The council boosted the festival’s budget by $400,000 to a total of $1.6 million last year, but many Hobart aldermen and councillors say this is not sustainable.

Alderman Peter Sexton said a $1.6 million price tag meant Hobart ratepayers paid an entrance fee of more than $40, regardless of whether they attended or not.

“This is clearly not sustainable into the long-term,” he said.

Alderman Marti Zucco said the current funding model, whereby Hobart ratepayers bear all the costs of an event that benefits the state by nearly $60 million, was wrong.

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Councillor Zelinda Sherlock said if the council collaborated with the wider community and other sponsors, it could potentially remain a viable investment.

Many aldermen and councillors hailed this year’s festival a success.

“This year the Taste connected family, fun and festivities, and incorporated various different components for the enjoyment of those in our community and those who came to visit,” Cr Sherlock said.

Councillor Mike Dutta said he was happy with Taste.

“I would rate it 8/10. It was well organised, wide variety of things to do, family-friendly atmosphere aided by brilliant weather,” Cr Dutta said.

The council will consider a report on the festival this month.

Tiffany Fiechtner, 28, who worked in the Forty Spotted Gin Garden throughout the festival, said this year’s Taste was “fantastic”.

“All the food here is amazing, all the products are amazing, the music has been great, it’s been a pretty incredible time,” she said.

“Everyone’s just had a good time and the weather’s been fantastic.”