Savannah Sounds strikes a chord for Far North Queensland tourism recovery
In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which tore through Far North Queensland in December 2023, the region’s tourism industry faced daunting challenges.
Visitor confidence wavered, and businesses were desperate for a spark of revival.
Enter Savannah Sounds on the Reef, a beacon of hope designed to breathe new life into the tourism sector and remind the world that North Queensland was ready to welcome visitors once again.
Held in April 2024, this once-in-a-lifetime event transformed Moore Reef near Cairns into a spectacular concert venue, featuring acclaimed Australian music icons like Sheppard and Lee Kernaghan, Golden Guitar Award-winner Max Jackson, and the captivating Indigenous group Kairos Kin.
Performed on a scenic pontoon in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Savannah Sounds brought together over 100 local heroes and high-profile artists to celebrate resilience and recovery.
The event wasn’t just a concert, it was a bold statement of strength for a community deeply impacted by the cyclone.
Local heroes, from flood clean-up volunteers to dedicated environmentalists and tireless carers, took centre stage, their efforts celebrated and their spirit of service recognised.
This fostered a sense of community pride and contributed significantly to the emotional and social recovery of residents in the region.
Planned as part of the Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program, Savannah Sounds on the Reef was one of six key events funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This initiative, supported jointly by the Australian and Queensland Governments, aimed to reinvigorate tourism in North and Far North Queensland affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023 and assist in their economic recovery.
Savannah Sounds generated an impressive $1.5 million in publicity value and attracted significant media coverage, reaching an estimated audience of 41 million.
This success was amplified by a nationwide Channel 9 TV special aired in September 2024, which boosted the region's tourism profile and promoted another marquee event, Savannah in the Round, held later in the year in Mareeba, Cairns.
The immediate outcomes were undeniable. Visitors flocked back to the region, spurred by vibrant initiatives which showcased the unique charm of North Queensland. With its breathtaking Great Barrier Reef backdrop, the Savannah Sounds event reminded the world that nature's beauty in the Far North remains awe-inspiring.
More than just an economic boost, the event reinforced the broader message that the arts, shared experiences, and tourism play a vital role in uniting communities during challenging times.
Savannah Sounds on the Reef was a testament to the resilience of Queensland's tourism-dependent communities and their power to rebuild.
This event, and others like it under the Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program, exemplify the pivotal role of partnerships between government and local communities in ensuring recovery is both swift and sustainable.
With pride and confidence restored and a slate of incredible events ready to take over, the tourism industry in Far North Queensland emerges stronger and ready to seize the future.
