No. 89

SUPPORT FOR EVENTS AT STROMLO FOREST PARK

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Andrew Barr, today announced that the 2007-08 Budget contains enhanced funding for hosting events at the Stromlo Forest Park.

Mr Barr said the Budget contains $1 million for the 2009 World Mountain Bike Championships and $20,000 annually for the Rob de Castella Invitational Cross Country Event.

“Canberra will host the 2009 World Mountain Bike Championships at Stromlo Forest Park – a great win for Canberra and for Australia,” Mr Barr said.

“Given the stature of this event in the world and the growing popularity of mountain biking in Australia, this is a major opportunity to promote Stromlo Forest Park and Canberra as the No. 1 mountain biking destination in Australia and a hot-spot for mountain biking in the world.

“The ACT Government joined with Canberra Off-Road Cyclists and their event partners Apis Consulting Group in their bid for Canberra to host and manage the 2009 World Mountain Bike and Trials Championships, and we will invest over $1 million to support the event. 

“This is in addition to the $7.6 million invested in the new facilities at Stromlo Forest Park, with a major component of these facilities focusing on mountain biking.  

“I look forward to the great sporting feats which will be achieved on the tracks at Stromlo and the recognition our great city will achieve during and in the lead up to the Championships.”

Mr Barr said the Rob de Castella Invitational Cross Country Event would be held later this year and will again showcase the Stromlo venue.

“The Cross Country Running Track at Stromlo Forest Park is named after Rob de Castella and this race will celebrate his contribution to sport and to Stromlo Forest Park,” Mr Barr said.

“This inaugural event will be held in early November and will boast international runners.

“This is another great event for Stromlo Forest Park and for Canberra.”