Campaspe Shire Council to renew funding for Riverboats Music Festival

Campaspe Shire Council has endorsed the renewal of the funding agreement for the Riverboats Music Festival for the next five years.

Riverboats is held at Aquatic Reserve, Echuca, a natural amphitheatre in northern Victoria on the banks of the Murray River, approximately 220kms from Melbourne.

Deputy Mayor Tony Marwood said the decision to renew funding underscores the festival's significant impact on the local economy and its historical importance.

Mayor Marwood notes “Riverboats Music Festival has proven to be a major economic driver for the region. The 2024 event attracted over 5,500 attendees and generated approximately $2.65 million in regional economic impact.

“Attendees spent an average of $375 per person on local services, excluding ticket costs.”

Council approved the extension of funding for Westbound Productions to produce the Riverboats Music Festival from 2025 to 2029. The agreement includes an annual cash contribution and additional services such as the use of Aquatic Reserve, provision of bike racks, synthetic grass, temporary fencing, and flag bookings.

Since its inception in 2012, the Riverboats Music Festival has grown in stature, winning multiple awards, including Gold at the 2017 Australian Tourism Awards and being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2019 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.

The 2025 Riverboats Music Festival is scheduled for 14th-16th February 2025 with line up announcement and ticket sales due to open in October.