NSW budget backs arts, night-time economy and tourism

The NSW Government has made a significant commitment to tourism, nightlife and major events in its 2024/25 state budget with $1.66 billion set aside for the industry.

In his second budget, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey announced a range of measures to back these significant leisure sectors through support for music, events and festivals and free museum entry.

Announced yesterday evening, highlights will see Destination NSW receive $324.5 million in funding to support the development of a ‘Foundation Events’ category, recognising the role that key events play, while the new Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (which comes into being on 1st July) will have a focus on growing the creative and tourism industries in the state.

The budget also include $26.9 million for the Office of the 24 Hour Economy Commissioner and $18.5 million for Sound NSW and

Formed in 2023, Sound NSW’s role is to promote contemporary music in NSW, and is led by Emily Collins, working alongside an advisory board comprised of artists and industry figures including Chair Jessica Ducrou and Deputy Chair John Watson.

Budget highlights include:

Destination NSW: $324.5 million to deliver the events calendar across metro and regional NSW, including Vivid Sydney, SXSW Sydney, Mundi Mundi Bash, Parkes Elvis Festival, and a range of sporting events, and drive the refreshed Visitor Economy Strategy 2030.

Arts and Cultural Funding Program: $73 million to support grassroots and community arts organisations.

Screen and Digital Games: $35 million for the Made in NSW Fund, as well as ongoing investment to provide certainty for the Post-Production and Visual Effects rebate scheme.

Night-Time Economy: $26.9 million to support the development of vibrant, safe, and diverse night-time precincts across the State and the delivery of the refreshed NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy.

Music: $18.5 million for Sound NSW to deliver programs that drive audience and international market development, strengthen the live music industry, and champion NSW artists.

$5.5 billion has also been allocated to the Sydney Metro-Western Sydney Airport, including the delivery of Stage 1 of a Rapid Bus Project which will link Penrith, Campbelltown and Liverpool with the new airport.

Image: Vivid Sydney. Credit: Destination NSW.