Funding international rafting facilities

Competitors and visitors at next year’s World Rafting Championships in Far North Queensland will benefit from Palaszczuk Government funding for event amenities.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Cassowary Coast Regional Council would receive $112,000 to help with construction of temporary amenities associated with hosting the event.

“This funding will help provide the temporary facilities needed for the athletes’ village, river viewing area and the Tully Showgrounds, which is going to be the main site for entertainment and catering for the thousands of spectators and participants coming to the event,” he said.

“The department’s contribution supplements the Palaszczuk Government’s funding through Tourism and Events Queensland’s It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar, which is forecast to deliver $780 million in economic benefits to the state in 2018.

“This is a coup for Queensland that the International Rafting Federation World Rafting Championships are being held on the world-renowned Tully River and will provide an opportunity to showcase the spectacular World Heritage rainforest of the state’s Tropical North.

“Major sporting events such as this bring significant benefits to the region, boosting the economy through supply chain opportunities and jobs for local workers involved with works to prepare for it as well as associated with catering and logistics needed during the event itself.”

This is the first time the championships have been hosted in Australia and this week-long event is set to attract up to 1000 of the world’s best rafters and thousands more visitors from over 50 countries around the world to the Cassowary Coast.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor John Kremastos said the Cassowary Coast is an adventure tourism capital.

“We have the nation’s top white water rafting river, world heritage rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, sky diving onto tropical beaches and so much more,” Mayor Kremastos said.

“Council is fully supportive and committed to delivering a world class event which showcases the Cassowary Coast region and Far North Queensland to rest of the world. I look forward to welcoming visitors to our region and to the Far North.”

Mr Dick said Far North Queensland is an iconic destination for domestic and international tourism that saw visitors spend around $3 billion in the 2017 calendar year associated with enjoying experiences including the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, wonderful lifestyle, communities and culture.

“We’re keen to help Queensland’s $25 billion tourism industry continue to grow and we know that many of those coming to the rafting championships are likely to take the opportunity before or after the event to enjoy the experiences the broader region has to offer.”

For more information about the championships visit the website.

Source
Media Statement
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick