STORY ON NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER WEBSITE
In a strategy to expand home-grown events and deliver an extra 40,400 visitor nights regionally from 2013 to 2015, the Birdsville Races, along with three other Queensland events, will be added to the state's major events calendar from next year.
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey announced the news last week.
It recognises four highly successful regional events, including the Birdsville Races.
Minister Stuckey said the events, which were previously supported through the Events Queensland Regional Development Program, have seen significant growth and will now fall under the Major Events portfolio.
"Events Queensland has evaluated the tourism benefits they provide and their ability to expand and deliver significant economic benefits," she said.
Birdsville Race Club president David Brook said it will enable the club to improve its professionalism and move towards a more sustainable operational model for this centre- piece of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival.
"In particular, the support will allow us to enhance the on- course experience and encourage visitors to extend their stay in the region," he said.
"Following the success of our 2012 racing carnival, we are thrilled that the Birdsville Races will join the Gold Coast Magic Millions carnival as the only thoroughbred carnivals recognised with major event status."
The Birdsville Races is desert Thoroughbred racing at its best with fun, fashion and entertainment and the 2013 event will be held on September 6 and 7.
To read the article on the North Queensland Register website, visit http://nqr.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/birdsville-races-to-be-major-event/2630664.aspx
