Council confirms major event funding
Published on 24 February 2026
Noosa Council will support 10 major events over the next financial year as work continues on the new Sustainable Events Strategy, informed by community feedback gathered during the Destination Management Plan engagement process.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the decision provides certainty for event organisers for the next 12 months while Council develops its new Sustainable Events Strategy.
“Council will continue supporting diverse events that contribute to Noosa’s vibrant community life and local economy, including the Festival of Surfing, Noosa Open Studios, Noosa Ultra Trail, and others,” Cr Wilkie said.
“This funding ensures stability for the coming year while we finalise a strategy that builds on our strong and iconic events program and strengthens Noosa’s reputation for high quality, sustainable events.
“Importantly, no additional ratepayer money is being given out for events with this decision, as this is event funding reclaimed from Tourism Noosa when we took over the event management side.”
The 10 events funded are:
- Noosa Triathlon
- Noosa Food and Wine Festival
- Noosa Ultra Trail
- Noosa Concours
- Runaway Noosa
- Noosa Festival of Surfing
- Noosa Open Studios
- Noosa Summer Swim
- Noosa Enduro
- Noosa Alive
Mayor Wilkie said the new Sustainable Events Strategy will guide future funding decisions in a way that reflects community priorities and values in line with Noosa’s Destination Management Plan.
“In future years, our event assessments will place even stronger emphasis on community benefit, environmental stewardship, reduced impacts on residents, and meaningful contributions to the local economy,” he said.
Council received strong interest from local organisers for 2026/27 funding and is pleased to be supporting a majority of applicants. Organisers whose events were not included in this round have been encouraged to explore other Council support pathways, including the Community Grants Program.
Work on the Sustainable Events Strategy is well underway and will set a clear direction for how Council partners with events that align with Noosa’s values, protect Noosa’s unique environment, and deliver benefits for the community.