More than 10,000 spectators and around 2,000 competitors are expected to hit the shores of Busselton next week for Ironman WA.
A City of Busselton spokesperson said the event, which takes place on December 2, would contribute an economic return to the city in the range of $11 million.
It is expected that 25 per cent of competitors will visit the region from 38 countries around the world and another 40 per cent would head here from the Eastern States.
The event will be televised internationally reaching an audience of more than 25 million people from around the globe.
It will be the 15th year Busselton has hosted Ironman WA event with corporate sponsor Rio Tinto playing a role to support 1000 volunteers from the community who contribute to the event.
As the region’s biggest employer, Rio Tinto general manager communities and communication Linda Dawson said they were proud to play a role in the event.
“Our employees living in the South West make a significant contribution to the region, they’ve set down roots, their children attend local schools and they support local businesses and local events,” she said.
“Busselton is Rio Tinto’s largest regional fly-in fly-out hub and we are committed to supporting activities and businesses in the region that enhance the community.
“We believe volunteering is integral to our communities and this partnership provides opportunities for community members, many of them Rio Tinto employees and their families, to get involved in events and activities in the region.”
Earlier this year, Rio Tinto renewed its $120,000 three-year partnership with Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In 2016, the company invested $155 million in the South West contributing to an economic impact of $78 million and 500 jobs.
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said Ironman WA in Busselton was a fantastic event that brought thousands of athletes and their families to the region.
“The promotion of this event through global broadcast showcases the South West and cements the City of Busselton as the Events Capital of WA,” she said.
“This region has spectacular landscape for sporting events, which provides an ideal opportunity to further promote the area and encourage more national and international visitors to regional WA.”
