The International Rally of Queensland, one of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest annual sports events, will be based at Rydges Oasis Resort in Caloundra for 2011.
The resort will accommodate visiting teams from several countries and Australia, plus the event’s administration headquarters, a media centre and other activities during the 13-15 May rally and the preceding week.
Event Director Errol Bailey said Rydges Oasis Resort would be the hub of an expanded rally presence in Caloundra, details of which would be announced in coming weeks.
“The organisers are delighted to be returning to Rydges after an absence of five years, but we will also be bringing a bigger event than before. While there will be a fresh focus on Caloundra, the rally will continue to be an event for all the Sunshine Coast, with public activities planned for several locations,” Mr Bailey said.
“Rydges will provide an excellent operational and social HQ for this international event. There is room to park vehicles and equipment, quality accommodation that will meet the expectations of our international guests, excellent in-house leisure areas and easy access to a wide range of other facilities in the Caloundra business district.”
Caloundra is at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, approximately one hour’s drive north of Brisbane International Airport.
It features pristine ocean and estuary beaches and a wide range of shopping, dining and entertainment choices.
Team and supporter accommodation bookings for Rydges Oasis Resort can be made through the rally website, www.rallyqueensland.com.au.
THE International Rally of Queensland is benefiting from Significant Regional Event Scheme (SRES) funding under the Events Queensland Regional Development Program (EQRDP).
The EQRDP is an investment program designed to extend the flow of economic and social benefits of events to regional Queensland. The SRES celebrates and supports those events that have a particularly strong track record of growth and economic success for their region.
A state-wide initiative, the program is committed to enhancing existing events in regional Queensland, as well as assisting in the establishment of new events.
Since the EQRDP began in 2001, more than $16.4 million has been invested in 762 regional events, an indicator of the important role these events play in their communities and wider Queensland.
IROQ also is supported by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
– Credit: www.rally.com.au