December 18, 2019
Kingaroy BaconFest organisers say this year’s event in Kingaroy contributed more than $660,000 to the local economy.
The organising committee said the figures were compiled by event research company IER using data collected during the BaconFest weekend.
Based on the number of individual raffle tickets handed out by BaconFest volunteers to festivalgoers as they entered the festival precinct, an estimated 15,000 people attended the three-day event.
The IER survey found about 55 per cent of those who attended were from the local region, just over 40 per cent were from other parts of Queensland and 2 per cent were from interstate.
Chief Baconeer Kathryn Stevens said it was a great result for a festival in its second year but there was plenty of room to grow.
“Our committee is thrilled that BaconFest was able to provide such a significant economic boost to our community, particularly during the ongoing drought,” Mrs Stevens said.
“Our challenge now is to increase the number of days visitors are spending in the region and work with the South Burnett Regional Council and the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry to ensure as many local businesses benefit as possible.”
Mrs Stevens said the BaconFest Committee would donate $5000 from this year’s profits to a special fund being administered by Graham House Community Centre to support drought-affected farmers in the South Burnett.
“This drought is having a devastating impact on many in our local community. We hope this donation in the lead up to Christmas may provide some relief to those doing it tough,” Mrs Stevens said.
The BaconFest Committee also donated $1000 to the Kingaroy Men’s Shed in return for their ongoing help and support.
Organisers also purchased infrastructure including picket fencing, marquees and large archway to ensure the future sustainability of the event.
Mrs Stevens said the committee had already begun work on next year’s BaconFest, which will be held on August 21-23.
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