NEGOTIATIONS over the funding of the GC600 car race began this week with new V8 Supercars chief executive James Warburton, amid fears this year could be the Surfers Paradise event’s last.
Minister for Tourism, Major Events and Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey, yesterday said the funding for this year’s race was part of yesterday’s State Budget but she could not commit to 2014 and beyond.
She said she would be meeting with Mr Warburton over coming weeks in further negotiations after he met with Tourism Events Queensland boss Steven Wright earlier in this week.
Last week, the Bulletin revealed the $6 million a year State Government funding was likely to be slashed prompting concerns over whether the race would survive.
“All I can say is that we will continue to negotiate an outcome that is best for all,” Ms Stuckey said.
In what was little surprise, no funding was allocated in the Budget for a beach restoration program which would protect the city’s most valuable tourism asset, despite continuous pressure from Mayor Tom Tate.
Cr Tate had been seeking $30 million to help restore the Gold Coast’s battered beaches and prevent further erosion.
The newly formed entity, Tourism and Events Queensland, will receive $15 million to “support destination marketing, promoting major events and developing world-class tourism products”.
Last year, the entity known formerly as Events Queensland received nearly $50 million.
The PGA golf tournament and the Blues on Broadbeach were the two major events listed in the Budget papers as a priority for the State Government.
Ms Stuckey said $7 million would be injected into regional marketing bodies, including a portion to Gold Coast Tourism.
More than $100 million will be injected into tourism and events across the state. Meanwhile, a new ecotourism plan is being developed with the Department of Natural Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing to encourage investment and open new tourism opportunities.
Yesterday’s Budget allocated $750,000 for David Fleay Wildlife Park, to fund a new visitor centre and $750,000 for a campground at Lamington National Park.
Racing Minister Steve Dickson also recommitted the $4.6 million set aside for the upgrade of the Gold Coast Turf Club.