Major new international aquatic event for Perth

Perth will become home to a unique new international swimming and water polo event to be known as the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series.
Launching the event on Wednesday, Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series would become an annual feature on the international sporting calendar from 2013.
Dr Hames explained that "in the pool we'll see the Australian swim team take on the might of the Chinese and South African national teams in a world-class program of events that will thrill spectators and national and international television viewers alike.
"There will also be international water polo matches featuring the Australian menï¾s and womenï¾s teams, and elite and mass participation open-water events.
"An extensive community engagement program involving some of Australiaï¾s best coaches, swimmers and water polo players, past and present will also be held.
"Thanks to the State Government's Royalties for Regions' Regional Events Program, the community engagement program will include a significant number of events and activities in regional Western Australia, promoting the event, the sports and a healthy lifestyle."
Minister Hames acknowledged BHP Billiton for its significant funding, adding "it is very heartening to see BHP Billiton, with its strong ties to WA, giving back to the community in such a way.
"I congratulate BHP Billiton, Eventscorp and Swimming Australia, alongside Swimming WA, Water Polo WA and Australian Water Polo for pulling this magnificent event together."
The inaugural BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series will be held in January 2013, with the events for 2014 and 2015 also locked in.
Dr Hames said the involvement of the Chinese national team was exciting, not only from a competitive viewpoint, but also in light of Western Australia's strong business ties with China and growing tourism links.
"The South African team should also feel right at home in Perth with its big expatriate community and easy access for fans wanting to visit WA to attend the event.
"Our goal is to have the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series develop and expand into a hallmark event on the annual international swimming and water polo calendar, and to have it permanently conducted in Western Australia.
"The State Government, through Eventscorp, is developing an exciting and diverse annual events calendar to attract visitors, engage and add vibrancy to the community and showcase Perth and Western Australia to the world.
"The BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series meets all those criteria."
The pool program and water polo matches will be held at Perth's Challenge Stadium, the only venue to have staged three FINA World Swimming Championships.
The course for the open water program is still to be finalised.