THERE was some contention among Tweed Shire councillors over funding for future festivals and events at last week's general meeting.

Cooly Rocks On is due to get a $17,000 slice of the $80,000 funding pie, with some criticism over the amount.

Cr Kevin Skinner passionately backed the funding, pointing out the boost to Tweed Heads businesses through the annual festival.

He even suggested it be increased to $25,000.

"Cooly Rocks On has a much greater effect than some of the other festivals put together," he said.

"It's an international event."

Cr Dot Holdom said the economic spin-off for Tweed Heads was "always good."

"The recommendation for funding is based on a rigorous process," mayor Barry Longland said.

"The relative economic attraction is taken into account and many factors are considered before making such a recommendation."

Council resolved to adopt the recommendation that will fund events like the Tweed Banana Festival ($7,500), Tyalgum Festival ($6,000) and the QSMSports - Battle of the Border 2013 ($10,000).

For the first time the council has allocated multi-year funding under the Festivals and Events Policy.

"This allows an established event to apply for recurrent funding without having to apply all over again," Cr Longland said.

The policy adopted in the last 12 months gives regular events the certainty of continuation, according to Cr Longland.

Three events have been allocated multi-year funding for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 Festivals and Events Policy.

The Tweed Valley Agricultural Society will receive $7,500 yearly for the Murwillumbah show, with the Tyalgum Festival Committee seeing $6000 a year and $5,000 going to the Australian Longboard Surfing Festival.