NEWS Of The Area has picked a bumper weekend to launch in Port Macquarie.
On Saturday, there’s the Federal Election and the expected national interest in the close tussle in Cowper, plus the Koala Hospital is throwing open its doors to the public for one last visit before redevelopment.
Both those stories are covered in detail in this edition.
There is also the running of IRONKIDS Port Macquarie from 9am along the Southern Breakwall.
Then from dawn on Sunday, 2700 athletes take on the gruelling UKG IRONMAN Australia, with triple that number expected to watch the swim, ride and run legs from the area’s parks and streets.
Local and international competitors will compete across two triathlons.
The IRONMAN Australia involves a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and 42.2km run while the IRONMAN 70.3 covers a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run.
Rebecca van Pooss, Vice President of Operations for the IRONMAN Group Oceania, said parts of the professional and shorter distance triathlons will run concurrently.
“This year we’ll see some of the top professional triathletes in the region go head-to-head… with it being the first time in a number of years that the professional race has been a part of IRONMAN 70.3.”
Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts said the event is locked in for at least the next three years, which is good news for accommodation providers, retailers and hospitality venues.
“Major events such as IRONMAN are central to the growth and development of regional economies,” he said.
“Council estimates that this year’s IRONMAN will attract approximately 9500 visitors, injecting around $11 million of economic stimulus into our local businesses.”
The NSW Government is supporting the event, with Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper describing Port Macquarie as the “quintessential coastal town” and “the perfect backdrop for competitors”.
Many locals will be used to the day’s road closures, however Council recommends checking dates, times and locations at ironman.com/im-australia-local-access.
In addition, the Settlement Point Ferry will be closed from 8am Sunday until 1am on Monday, 5 May.
The Hibbard Ferry can be used instead.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish this year’s entrants all the very best ahead of Sunday, as they test their abilities at the highest level of competition,” Cr Roberts said.
“I’d like to also thank the event organisers who dedicate themselves year after year to making this event such a success.”
