Support of $5000 was allocated to both Festival of Voices, for Launceston-based programming, and to Vibestown Productions for the 2017 Party in the Paddock event.

Ten Days on the Island received $10,000 as a designated Launceston Signature Event. 

The council also agreed to have the Events Sponsorship Assessment Panel meet with the Junction Arts Festival Committee to discuss details of support and programming. 

The Launceston Cup received an extra $16,900 on top of the $3100 it had already been allocated, but the amount was $5000 more than the Events Sponsorship Assessment Panel recommended. 

Deputy Mayor Rob Soward moved an amendment to allow for the additional cash and said it was well documented that the Launceston Cup had a significant economic impact on the city.

Four Aldermen voted against the motion, which linked all of the funding measures together.

Alderman Janie Finlay said she did not agree with the Tasmanian Turf Club getting the extra $5000 funding as there were many organisations who also applied for support and were unsuccessful in getting the full amount requested.

“We still make an assessment and the panel recommends the amount that should be provided … and allocations [should be] consistent with policies and assessment criteria,” she said.