All eyes on us

The World is Coming to the Sunshine Coast in 2016 and from Thursday our region will be the focal point for millions of national and international television viewers as well as elite athletes and guests.

More than 5000 participants will line up in the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival across the weekend. The council-sponsored event will also double as the opening round of this year’s International Triathlon Union World Cup and count towards Rio Olympics selection for 125 elite athletes from 40 different countries.

A one-hour highlights package of the event will be broadcast nationally on 7mate and across various international markets in the coming weeks.

Sunshine Coast Council CEO Michael Whittaker said it was more priceless exposure for the region and came just weeks after Mooloolaba was named at number six in TripAdvisor’s top 25 Australian beaches.

“The World is Coming to the Sunshine Coast in 2016 and the Sunshine Coast will also be going out to the world via this terrific television coverage of the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival,” Mr Whittaker said.

"The Mooloolaba Triathlon is one of 60 council-sponsored major and regional events being staged in our region this year which will attract around 150,000 national and international guests and generate about $100 million in economic activity.

“The triathlon TV coverage comes on the back of the Today Show’s highly successful outdoor broadcast from Mooloolaba Beach with an expected viewing audience of more than 350,000 people.

“Council and Visit Sunshine Coast have worked very hard to lift the profile of the region. Between the Today Show and the triathlon broadcasts, national and international viewers will see the Sunshine Coast at its absolute best.

“Our top fishing spots and best natural wonders will also be broadcast into Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne this weekend when the second hour-long Fishing Australia Sunshine Coast feature is aired on the free-to-air Go Channel on Saturday at 2pm.

“Sunshine Coast Stadium will also host the larger than life ROC Race for the first time on Saturday and Sunday. This incredibly popular event is expected to attract around 13,000 participants.

“On Saturday, March 19 we’ll also welcome P&O cruise ship Pacific Jewel which will drop anchor off Mooloolaba for the first time and bring around 1950 guests ashore to sample what we have to offer.”

Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy Coach Toby Coote said national and international exposure the region was receiving through television coverage and various other channels was strengthening our appeal as a training base for athletes ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“The American and Austrian triathletes have committed to basing themselves here on the Sunshine Coast to prepare for the World Triathlon Series event on the Gold Coast in April,” he said.

“Quite a few international athletes have also chosen to base themselves here prior to the WTS race next month and closer to 2018 we’re going to get a lot more teams and athletes from overseas expressing interest in staying here in the lead up to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.”

**Important information regarding changed traffic conditions around this weekend’s Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival and ROC Race

Mooloolaba Triathlon 11 – 13 March

Notably Sunshine Motorway will be closed in parts on Sunday, March 13 between 5am and 11.15am for the Mooloolaba Triathlon and congestion along the David Low Way is expected.

For changed traffic conditions relating to Mooloolaba Triathlon visit https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Experience-Sunshine-Coast/Whats-On/Major-Events/Mooloolaba-Triathlon-Festival

ROC Race 12 – 13 March

Due to changed traffic conditions, participants and spectators for the ROC Race travelling both north and south bound on the Bruce Highway will need to take the Caloundra Road Exit 188A. Signage will also be in place along Kawana Way, Nicklin Way and Main Drive directing attendees to the Sunshine Coast Stadium.

For changed traffic conditions relating to ROC Race visit https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Experience-Sunshine-Coast/Whats-On/Major-Events/ROC-Race

Travelling to the Airport

Travelling to the Airport on Sunday morning, March 13 – we’d suggest you allow some extra time, as the Sunshine Motorway will be closed between Mooloolaba and Yandina-Coolum Road exits between 5am and 11.15am for the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival and congestion along the David Low Way is anticipated.

For more info visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/majorevents