Published Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 at 01:05 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
PREMIER ANNOUNCES MAJOR SUPPORT FOR BRISBANE TO GLADSTONE
Premier Peter Beattie today announced the Queensland Government will be a major sponsor of the 2007 Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.
“The Brisbane to Gladstone started back in 1948 and has gone from strength to strength,” Mr Beattie said.
“The 308 nautical mile race attracts more than 60,000 spectators and showcases our world-renowned coastline from Shorncliffe, past the Redcliffe Peninsula through to Gladstone,” he said.
“There is no other yacht race like it in Queensland, and it is one of Australia’s leading sporting events on the Easter weekend.”
The State Government has agreed to provide the one-off sponsorship totalling $15,000 for this year’s event.
On the starters line will be more than 50 yachts, with an average crew of seven people. Each yacht will also be supported by land-based crews of family, friends, sponsors and businesses.
Event organisers are looking into a new race category this year which could see the field of entrants more than double.
“Regional events like this have many benefits – they stand out as tourism drawcards, they give regional economies a big boost and they instil an incredible amount of community pride,” said the Premier.
“And while the finishing line in Gladstone signals the end of the race, it’s not the end of the fun, because it kick starts another iconic Queensland event – the Gladstone Harbour Festival.”
Sandgate MP Vicky Darling welcomed the Government’s sponsorship, saying the event was unique.
“It has a tremendous appeal to people of all ages who line up to watch the race start at Shorncliffe,” Mrs Darling said.
“There is no other race like it and it complements the Bluewater Festival in Sandgate/Shorncliffe, Redcliffe’s Festival of Sails and the Gladstone Harbour Festival which all give our local economies a huge boost.
“I want to congratulate the tireless work of the volunteers of the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club who do a tremendous job each year. Well done.”
March 13, 2007
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
“The Brisbane to Gladstone started back in 1948 and has gone from strength to strength,” Mr Beattie said.
“The 308 nautical mile race attracts more than 60,000 spectators and showcases our world-renowned coastline from Shorncliffe, past the Redcliffe Peninsula through to Gladstone,” he said.
“There is no other yacht race like it in Queensland, and it is one of Australia’s leading sporting events on the Easter weekend.”
The State Government has agreed to provide the one-off sponsorship totalling $15,000 for this year’s event.
On the starters line will be more than 50 yachts, with an average crew of seven people. Each yacht will also be supported by land-based crews of family, friends, sponsors and businesses.
Event organisers are looking into a new race category this year which could see the field of entrants more than double.
“Regional events like this have many benefits – they stand out as tourism drawcards, they give regional economies a big boost and they instil an incredible amount of community pride,” said the Premier.
“And while the finishing line in Gladstone signals the end of the race, it’s not the end of the fun, because it kick starts another iconic Queensland event – the Gladstone Harbour Festival.”
Sandgate MP Vicky Darling welcomed the Government’s sponsorship, saying the event was unique.
“It has a tremendous appeal to people of all ages who line up to watch the race start at Shorncliffe,” Mrs Darling said.
“There is no other race like it and it complements the Bluewater Festival in Sandgate/Shorncliffe, Redcliffe’s Festival of Sails and the Gladstone Harbour Festival which all give our local economies a huge boost.
“I want to congratulate the tireless work of the volunteers of the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club who do a tremendous job each year. Well done.”
March 13, 2007
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500