September 15, 2014
South Burnett Regional Council representatives have met with Triathlon Qld Ltd to scope the possibility of national level events using the Kilkivan to Kingaroy rail trail.
“We want to make this Rail Trail one of Australia’s best,” Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said.
“To do that, we’ve been thinking outside of the box, ensuring that our rail trail will meet the requirements of future economic development activities, one of those being national events.”
Triathlon Queensland events manager Rachael Gibson said the early assessment of the infrastructure required to deliver a successful triathlon event in the South Burnett was “promising”.
“There is a long way to go regarding a more detailed analysis of a potential course and also securing buy-in from the key stakeholders needing to be consulted, but we are delighted with the enthusiasm shown so far to make an event possible,” she said.
Triathlon Queensland CEO Tony Compier said the approach from Council had come “out of the blue”.
“But we are delighted to be bought on board at the planning phase of such a major project as the Rail Trail development,” he said.
“Potential users of infrastructure are often consulted after completion so we applaud this initiative shown by Council to assess what would need to be incorporated in to the development of the rail trail from Triathlon’s point of view to provide for on-going use, well into the future.”
Council NRM Manager Greg Griffiths said the South Burnett could provide a unique triathlon experience with natural features that perfectly suited a run, swim and bike event.
“Our meeting was very positive and we’ll continue to liaise with Triathlon Qld in developing the event with the intention to sign off a Memorandum of Understanding,” Mr Griffiths said.
Mayor Kratzmann said these kinds of events could put the South Burnett on the national event stage, showcasing the region.
“This event alone would bring between 600–1000 competitors plus supporting staff and families,” he said.
“It’s a great way to provide a short-term economic boost to the South Burnett and exposure to a global sporting audience.”
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