Queensland Government flags economic benefits of Supercar races

The future of the Townsville 400 and Gold Coast 600 Supercar races events has been secured for a further three years thanks to a funding injection from the Queensland Government.

With its current agreement ending this year leading to concerns that the latest Townsville 400 could be the last, Queensland Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones confirmed the contract extensions last week.

Minister Jones explained “these events will attract thousands of visitors to the Gold Coast and Townsville and we encourage those fans to stay longer to experience the best of what's on offer.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Minister Jones in flagging the benefits of the Townsville 400, citing its role in helping to drive Tropical North Queensland tourism toward a $5 billion industry and as a supporter of 50,000 jobs.

Premier Palaszczuk stated “the Townsville 400 is a major tourism drawcard for North Queensland and a welcome boost to Townsville’s economy.”

“Last year, this event drew in more than 134,000 visitors to Queensland, with more than 121,000 direct visitor nights and injected $34 million to the Queensland economy.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill sees the Supercars event as a huge tourism drawcard for the region, commenting “the last study done by James Cook University on the event showed growing numbers coming from well outside the region.

"I think its important that we realise this is the sort of event that will attract those people from Melbourne and Sydney particularly at this cold time of the year for a weekend in sunny north Queensland."

Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton said the Queensland events had been a great success in the past, adding “as well as delivering significant tourism and economic benefits, these events also generate local jobs and showcase Queensland to a huge television audience around Australia and overseas.

While the Townsville 400 and Gold Coast 600 events will continue until the end of 2019, negotiations continue over the future of the Ipswich round of the series.

The future of the Townsville 400 and Gold Coast 600 Supercar races events has been secured for a further three years thanks to a funding injection from the Queensland Government.

With its current agreement ending this year leading to concerns that the latest Townsville 400 could be the last, Queensland Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones confirmed the contract extensions last week.

Minister Jones explained “these events will attract thousands of visitors to the Gold Coast and Townsville and we encourage those fans to stay longer to experience the best of what's on offer.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Minister Jones in flagging the benefits of the Townsville 400, citing its role in helping to drive Tropical North Queensland tourism toward a $5 billion industry and as a supporter of 50,000 jobs.

Premier Palaszczuk stated “the Townsville 400 is a major tourism drawcard for North Queensland and a welcome boost to Townsville’s economy.”

“Last year, this event drew in more than 134,000 visitors to Queensland, with more than 121,000 direct visitor nights and injected $34 million to the Queensland economy.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill sees the Supercars event as a huge tourism drawcard for the region, commenting “the last study done by James Cook University on the event showed growing numbers coming from well outside the region.

"I think its important that we realise this is the sort of event that will attract those people from Melbourne and Sydney particularly at this cold time of the year for a weekend in sunny north Queensland."

Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton said the Queensland events had been a great success in the past, adding “as well as delivering significant tourism and economic benefits, these events also generate local jobs and showcase Queensland to a huge television audience around Australia and overseas.

While the Townsville 400 and Gold Coast 600 events will continue until the end of 2019, negotiations continue over the future of the Ipswich round of the series.

Townsville 400 images courtesy of Supercars.

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