Sustaining the success of the Augusta River Festival

State Government funding of $4,000 will help organisers of the famous Augusta River Festival finetune what visitors really want.

South-West Minister Mark McGowan said organisers would use $2,200 to conduct a Smart Events survey to investigate ways of improving the event.

"Additional funding of $1,800 will be provided to assist with new marketing initiatives based on the survey evaluation," Mr McGowan said.

The Minister announced the funding while officially opening the festival.

"The festival injects an estimated $400,000 into the local community and it's important to ensure its continued success by gauging visitor satisfaction," he said.

"The State Government is pleased to support those efforts with this grant."

South-West MLC Adele Farina said the Augusta River Festival was an annual event and was a great way to promote the town.

"It started in 1996 and has become a major event on the South-West calendar," Ms Farina said.

"This year's festival features circus performers, bands, dancers, competitions, events and workshops. There are more than 20 stalls featuring the work of local artisans, producers and entertainers."

Funding for the survey is provided through the South West Events Program, administered by the South West Development Commission, which supports regional events with grants of up to $5,000.

For more information on the program, telephone the South West Development Commission on 9792 2000.