WA to secure more events with $77m

Almost $80 million will be poured into securing more events for the state, the Treasurer revealed in the 2024-25 budget.

Treasurer and Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti today delivered the budget, which included $77.5 million to secure blockbuster, major and homegrown events.

The $77.5 million covers a $25 million top up to the Major Events Fund for the next four years and a $3.6 million for a new metro events program.

Ms Saffioti said events were a big drawcard for interstate visitors.

“We continue to deliver on that commitment, having secured major coups over the past year including Coldplay, WWE, Italian and women’s football, UFC and international rugby just to name a few,” she said.

Coldplay held two sold-out concerts at Optus Stadium in November, with Perth being the only Australian stop on the international band's list.

Perth played host to WWE Elimination Chamber this year, also held at Optus Stadium.

The state government wanted to build on the success of recent major tourism events, through the investment in event tourism, according to the budget paper.

An increase in the cost of service from the 2023-24 budget compared to the 2024-25 budget target has been credited to the uplift in funding for the major events program.

About $74.8 million was allocated in the 2023-24 budget compared to the $101.7 million in the 2024-25 budget target.

The 2024-25 budget also revealed $44.4 million will be invested into the Major Events Fund over the forward estimates period, being in the next four years.