Country Music Fest Extends QLD Stay

Following a second consecutive sellout this year, Australian country and roots festival CMC Rocks Queensland appears to be extending its stay in Queensland, its third home. 

Cody Cannon – Chase Rice
“CMC Rocks QLD,” Willowbank Raceway, Willowbank, Australia.

Launched 10 years ago, the festival first happened in the Thredbo, NSW, snowfields, then NSW’s vineyard region, the Hunter Valley. In 2015 it moved up to Queensland under an initial three-year deal with the state’s government to boost tourism and jobs.

The government is eying the possibility of Queensland being seen as a major country music destination, alongside the Broadbeach Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster and the CMC Music Awards.

According to Rob Potts, co-promoter of CMC Rocks with Michael Chugg, attendance started to hit capacity after moving to Queensland. Last year drew a record 13,500, with an economic impact of A$10 million ($7.6 million).

This year’s attendance, March 24-26, rose to 15,000. U.S. acts included headliners Dixie Chicks as well as Little Big Town, Kip Moore and Michael Ray.

“It’s now firmly established as the biggest international country and roots festival in the southern hemisphere,” Potts emphasised.

Queensland’s minister for tourism and major events, Kate Jones, confirmed April 3 that the festival will remain in the state for the next three years.

On the same day, Ipswich City Council, which owns the Willowbank Raceway near the major town of Ipswich, also confirmed that CMC Rocks has been offered the site for at least a further five years.