Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Government has announced that NRL Magic Round in secured in Queensland until 2032, with Mackay expected to benefit from a major push to grow regional tourism and community engagement around the event.
The long-term agreement between the Queensland Government, the Australian Rugby League Commission and Brisbane City Council will expand Magic Round into a week-long festival of footy from 2027, featuring more matches, regional activations and tourism showcases across the state.
As part of the new deal, a regional footy festival and junior carnival will be introduced, alongside live site activations in regional Queensland communities during Magic Round festivities.
Premier David Crisafulli said the agreement would ensure communities across Queensland shared in the benefits of the major sporting event.
“Lock it in to 2032 - Magic Round is staying in Queensland exactly where it belongs,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“We are only just getting started on what Magic Round can be in Queensland – this new deal means it will be bigger, it will be better and we’ll make sure every corner of Queensland gets a chance to share in the magic.”
The Government said the expanded event would not only strengthen Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s sporting capital but also encourage visitors to explore more regional destinations across the state.
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the initiative aligned with the Government’s Destination 2045 tourism strategy.
“The Government’s Destination 2045 strategy is about turning major events into longer stays that deliver more for local businesses and communities and NRL Magic Round delivers exactly that,” Minister Powell said.
“We want visitors to come for the footy, but stay for everything else Queensland has to offer, exploring more, staying longer, and supporting jobs across the State.”
Australian Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V'landys said the expanded Magic Round concept would help showcase Queensland’s tourism destinations to national and international audiences.
“Our focus is to expand on that impact by creating new experiences, showcasing some of the best tourism locations in the world, lifting visitation, creating regional junior football carnivals and building a calendar of industry, media and business events that add long-term value to the State,” he said.
The expanded Magic Round festival is expected to begin from 2027.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
.jpeg)
