The Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival is among 52 regional events across the state to share in the $1.4 million in new state government funding. 

GBR Marathon organisers, Port Douglas Events Management, will receive $30,000 under the latest round of the Tourism and Events Queensland Regional Development Program. 

General Manager and spokesman Bruno Bennett learned of the good news just days after the 2013 event's success, on November 3.

"The team at Port Douglas Events Management is thrilled with the news that Tourism and Events Queensland will provide $30,000 in funding for the 2014 CANEGROWERS Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival," he said.

"This is a vote of support for Port Douglas and the region. So many volunteers, groups and businesses supported this year’s event and to receive this funding a full 12 months out from the 2014 event is just wonderful news, and recognition of the support provided from the entire community.

"Our team has a vision for this event and this funding will allow us to market both the event and the region internationally in the lead-up to the 9th November 2014.

"Port Douglas has proven the perfect location for this major event. The feedback from participants in this year’s marathon has all been positive.

"Runners loved the close proximity of accommodation, the welcome they received from locals and the amazing course combining Four Mile Beach, the Bump Track and rainforest through to Black Mountain Rd."

PDEM Managing Director Sam Cullen said the continued commitment by the Queensland State Government was a testament to the hard work undertaken by the PDEM team, local government and event partners, establishing what he strongly believes will soon be one of the world's most respected Australian marathon events.

The Marathon Festival shares the $1.4 million with a range of events, from sailing regattas to food and wine festivals, arts and cultural celebrations, and music festivals.

“Tourism and Events Queensland has created the most comprehensive portfolio of supported events of any state in Australia,"  said Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey.

“As one of the four pillars of the economy, it’s exciting to see the tourism benefits that will come through these events across the state. The Queensland Government recognises the importance of events in driving visitation to regional communities, playing a key role in our goal to double Queensland’s annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.

Ms Stuckey said that the 2013 DestinationQ Partnership Agreement noted that Queensland needs to deliver innovative and unique events and experiences that will leave visitors to Queensland with a lasting impression that drives repeat visitation.

“In addition to developing Queensland’s home-grown events, the latest round of the Regional Development Program will also see support provided for five new events to be held for the first time in 2014,” she said.

“Funding received through the Regional Development Program can be used for marketing activities to increase awareness of the event and destination, strategic planning, the engagement of short-term personnel and hire of temporary infrastructure.

The next Regional Development Program funding round is now open with applications closing on 14 February 2014 for events held between 1 October 2014 and 31 March 2016.

To apply for Tourism and Events Queensland Regional Development Program Funding visit www.te.queensland.com.

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