Future of Supercars secured for Queensland

The future of V8 racing in Queensland has been secured after Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones today announced a new deal with Supercars.

Ms Jones said the five-year deal between Supercars and Tourism and Events Queensland secures the future of the Gold Coast 600 and the Townsville 400. 

“Major events support local jobs – this deal gives locals certainty that they can rely on the revenue these events provide in the future,” she said.

“Both races pump tens of millions of dollars into the economy. We’ve committed to working with Supercars to grow these events in the future to attract more tourists who stay longer in Queensland.

“When it comes to growing major events we’re in pole position – since 2015 we’ve more than doubled the value of Queensland’s major events calendar which is now worth around $800 million.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Townsville 400 was an important event on the North Queensland calendar.

“Last year, the Townsville 400 pumped more than $36 million into the North Queensland economy,” he said.

“To have that locked in for the next five years is important for local businesses and a testament to the fact that the best in the business want to host events in Townsville.”

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said securing the long-term future was great news for the Gold Coast and Townsville as signature events in their regions.

“It is fantastic for our fans that Minister Jones, TEQ and the Queensland Government continue to support these two hallmark Queensland events,” Mr Seamer said.

“The Gold Coast is a favourite of our fans and our teams as one of the longest-running and most successful major events in Australia, as is Townsville in North Queensland.

“We must also thank the Gold Coast and Townsville councils who continue to support these two iconic events for their cities.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said having a five-year deal with Supercars was a coup for the North Queensland town.

“The Townsville 400 has been a huge boon to the tourism industry,” she said.

 “It’s a drawcard that brings people to our city for the first time, and many of those travellers become return visitors.

 “With many businesses still doing it tough after the unprecedented monsoon earlier this year, the future of the event will provide a much-needed economic boost for the city.”

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Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447