One of Launceston's premier New Year's Eve events, BeerFest, is set to proceed despite only receiving a fraction of the state government funding allocated to a similar event being held in Hobart.
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BeerFest director James Harding said in addition to securing funding from the City of Launceston council the event received a $10,000 grant from the state government. However, the amount was far less than the $1.4 million provided to a similar event being run in the state's South.
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Mr Harding said he could not understand why a tried and tested event with over a decade of proven national and covid-safe experience would only receive a fraction of the funding - particularly after running a successful event last year.
"In 2020, whilst in the midst of a pandemic, when all other events chose to not soldier on, we chose to roll up our sleeves and deliver the only New Year's Eve event in Tasmania which attracted a 49 per cent interstate attendance," he said.
"When I compare our Launceston New Year's Eve event receiving $10k versus Hobart receiving $1.4million - I'm not sure how we are meant to compete."
In July, Hobart mayor Anna Reynolds announced the city would partner with the state government to fund the city's New Year's Eve event Taste of Summer, and would receive $1.4 million in funding from the state government to ensure the event's success.
At the time of the announcement, Premier Peter Gutwein said he understood the importance of supporting the local economy after the previous year's event was cancelled.
"The state government will provide the use of PW1 and contribute $1.4 million towards the event this year recognising the importance of activating the waterfront over the holiday period to businesses, locals and our economy," he said.
Mr Harding said after hearing of the announcement and seeing the disparity in funding he felt forgotten by the state government.
A government spokesperson said funding for events was based on a range of factors, including historic and projected economic benefit, interstate and international visitation, duration, timing and the location of events.
They said Events Tasmania was closely engaged with the organisers of BeerFest and would be meeting with them to discuss the upcoming event soon.
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