2021 Ord Valley Muster injects $6m into East Kimberley economy, Tourism WA report finds

An extra $6 million was injected into the East Kimberley economy thanks to this year’s 20th annual Ord Valley Muster, according to a new report.

Commissioned by Tourism WA, the economic impact report found ticket sales for the Kununurra event held in May reached record levels, jumping 64 per cent from when the event was last held in 2019 to reach nearly 5,800.

The majority of tickets sold were for the Helispirit Kimberley Moon Experience, headlined by Jessica Mauboy, while more than 11,400 people attended over the nine-day event.

Close to 2,300 visitors came from outside the Kimberley, staying almost 24,000 nights in local accommodation.

The Ord Valley Muster has been funded through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program since 2012 and has secured ongoing support through the program until 2023.

Tourism minister David Templeman said the injection was evidence of the important role of the program in boosting regional economies.

“This is particularly important for an area like the East Kimberley, whose tourism industry largely operates on a seasonal basis and has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 environment,” he said.

“To have a bumper festival like this helps keep people in jobs and promotes the unique attractions of the region including the world heritage listed Bungle Bungle Range of Purnululu National Park as well as the spectacular Ord River and Lake Kununurra.”

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said the event had exceeded all expectations, and was a “fantastic result” for the local tourism industry and economy.

Next year’s Ord Valley Muster will begin on May 13.