Lighting will be improved at the Kevin Brogden Memorial Velodrome for next year's UCI Cycle Fest International event thanks to funding from Bundaberg Regional Council and Ergon Energy.
The 2020 event was announced last week and will be held from 9-16 February 2020 after the success of the inaugural Cycle Fest earlier this year.
At this week's meeting, Council granted financial support of $23,000 to the event through the Partnerships and Sponsorships program.
Ergon Energy also contributed funds to the event, which will go towards permanent lighting fixtures at the Kevin Brogden Memorial Velodrome.
UCI Cycle Fest International executive director Jason Templeman said the funding would greatly assist in many aspects of creating a successful second event.
“The funding was required after it was found that the current state of the lighting at the Kevin Brogden Memorial Velodrome wasn't up to the standards required,” he said.
“Now, this funding will allow CFI to progress forward for 2020. It will improve safety and security for competitors and spectators and will help better place the event on the national and international scale.”
Jason said the CFI incorporated three nights of competition on the velodrome track and, with funding for the appropriate lighting now approved, would continue to be recognised as an international competitive event providing many benefits to the region and the sporting community.
“Our event brings an injection of $5.5 million dollars into the local economy,” he said.
“This funding will further allow us to bring first class standards and safety for all competitors along with spectator comfort.
“The increased standards only help showcase our event even more.”
Support for UCI Cycle Fest International 2020
Mayor Jack Dempsey urged the community to support the event.
“This important event is a highlight in our community sporting calendar that certainly attracts a number of state and international visitors,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“The inaugural event was an outstanding success and contributed more than $5 million dollars into the local economy.
“I ask the community to show their support by attending the many fantastic events coming up for the UCI Cycle Fest International 2020.”
Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Helen Blackburn said a second Cycle Fest was a huge win for the region.
“The Bundaberg Region has an ever-growing reputation as a sporting hub in Queensland,” Cr Blackburn said.
“With huge events like the Bulls Masters and Nitro Circus showing their interest in our region, it just goes to show that our sporting community is a thriving one.
“We are proud to once again throw our support behind the UCI Cycle Fest International event and thank the organisers for their continued efforts in creating a fantastic event.”
