Long-Term Future of Key Queensland Events Secured by New Agreement

Why it matters: This five-year agreement guarantees the long-term future of several beloved Queensland mass participation sporting events, thus, supporting local businesses and the state's tourism economy.

Setting the pace: Under the new agreement, events such as the Cairns Airport Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns, Noosa Triathlon, Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba Triathlon, and Runaway Noosa Marathon are secured for at least the next five years.

What they are saying:

• "This is a wonderful announcement for competitors, spectators, and tourism operators..." - Michael Healy, Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister.
• "The Palaszczuk Government invests in major events like Ironman because we know they bring visitors to Queensland..." - Stirling Hinchliffe, Tourism and Sport Minister.
• "The Queensland Government and The Ironman Group Oceania have a long history of successfully delivering world class events across Queensland..." - Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of The Ironman Group Oceania.

By the numbers:

• Ironman events bring more than 50,000 visitors and $50 million for the tourism economy annually.
• Over five years, The Ironman Group Oceania will deliver five events a year, generating more than $300 million for visitor economies.

Between transition: This decision is not only beneficial for the athletes and their families but also important to the local communities and economies, injecting tens of millions of dollars into the state's economy annually.

Through Time: These events have seen immense growth over the years, like Ironman Cairns which developed into a 'must-do' event for global athletes over a decade.

The bottom line: This long-term agreement not only ensures the future of these world-class events but also helps boost Queensland's tourism economy and supports local businesses while preparing the state for the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.