Ironman Australia to stay in Port Macquarie

The announcement that the Ironman Australia event will remain in Port Macquarie through to 2018 is expected to contribute millions of dollars in economic benefits to the region.

NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley announced that the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, has secured Ironman Australia for Port Macquarie from 2014 to 2018.

Minister Annesley explained "Port Macquarie has hosted the Ironman Australia event since 2006, drawing competitors from across Australia and key international tourism markets, including New Zealand, Japan and Europe and I'm delighted it will continue to be held in Port Macquarie for the next five years

"Securing the event for both NSW and more particularly Port Macquarie has been a priority, and forms a key part of our strategy to attract and increase mass participation sporting events for regional NSW.

"In 2012, I was one of the more than 4,300 visitors who travelled to Port Macquarie to enjoy Ironman Australia, delivering over 20,000 visitor nights and contributing more than $3.7 million to the Port Macquarie economy."

Minister Annesley also announced a new event for Ironman Australia in 2014, the Australian Club Championships, explaining "the Australian Club Championships will bring more competitors, with club support, to Port Macquarie and details of the inaugural Championships will be announced later this year."

Destination NSW Chief Executive Sandra Chipchase added "Port Macquarie is the natural home for Ironman in Australia, with its great community support of more than 2,100 volunteers.

"For competitors and fans, Port Macquarie is a wonderful family holiday destination, with its stunning beaches, terrific food and wine, and great accommodation."

Destination NSW worked with the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and event organisers USM in securing the event.

The announcement came six days before about 1,600 competitors will tackle the 3.8 kilometre Hastings River swim, 180 kilometre bike course and the 42.2 kilometre run through Port Macquarie in Sunday's Ironman Australia.