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The 2018 Action Sports Games look set be held in Bunbury for the first time next year, with funds from the Regional Events Scheme being made available for the massive event.
A total of 62 diverse regional events across Western Australia received a funding boost as part of the 2017-18 scheme, with tourism minister Paul Papalie making the announcement on Saturday.
As well as Bunbury’s Action Sports Games, Mr Papalia also announced that 10 events would be supported by the scheme for the first time in the next round, including three in the Kimberley region.
The Regional Events Scheme aims to develop and support smaller regional events across Western Australia. Worth $850,000 in 2017-18, it is funded by the State Government.
"Tourism is a key economic driver for regional Western Australia. In 2016, visitors spent $10 billion in the State, including $4.7 billion in regional areas,” Mr Papalia said.
"Events play an important role in strengthening the economy by attracting visitors to the region, generating media attention which provides valuable exposure of the destination and adding vibrancy to the local community.
"The Regional Events Scheme helps to promote Western Australia as an exciting and vibrant destination, home to a great range of sporting, arts, cultural and culinary events held throughout the year."
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said not only did regional events attract visitors, they created much-needed business and job opportunities in regional communities.
"The scheme is part of the Government's plans to support the regions to showcase and promote their unique and diverse attractions, making them exciting places to visit and great places to live."
The Action Sports Games is planned to hit Bunbury between March 3-4 next year, and will take place on Koombana Bay.
The Action Sports Games is WA’s second biggest international regional event next to the Margaret River Pro World Tour surfing tournament.
Bunbury Event Coordination Group chair Monique Warnock said in 2015 the group had recommended the Action Sports Games be supported as it would meet the requirements for an “iconic” event.
“The Action Sports Games attracts 10,000 people to Bunbuy as well as invaluable destination marketing because it is televised worldwide which will showcase Bunbury and our unique waterways,” she said.
“It’s a free event which is accessible to all member of the community, people can grab a vantage point...and seethe action for free.
“It’s exactly the event which we were looking for Bunbury.”
