The Queensland Government is capitalising on its international reputation as the events State of Australia by selling its expertise to the world.

Premier Beattie said establishing Global Events, the new business arm of Queensland Events Corporation, was a smart move that opened up significant opportunities for Queensland to export its world-class expertise in securing and managing major events.

‘The first initiative under the new international brand will be a two-way partnership with Sacramento, the State capital of California,’ Mr Beattie said.

‘Global Events has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Sacramento Sports Commission, in a deal that will provide a number of positive spin-offs for both destinations.

‘The agreement will see Queensland export its services in the development of a major multi-sport event to be staged in Sacramento.

‘We also hope to learn from a number of successful initiatives by the Sacramento Sports Commission, which will continue to fulfill our objective to grow and add value to our portfolio of events in Queensland for the longer term.

‘The initiative brings together the experience of Queensland Events Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary Gold Coast Events Management.

Chairman Sacramento Region Sports Foundation Board, Mr Clive Livingston, said the opportunity to partner with Queensland Events Corporation was a great stride in achieving the organisation’s goals, to both broaden into the international events arena as well as expanding into a wide range of Master’s competitions.

‘After several discussions and observations it seems both parties have many common traits while at the same time have diverse areas of expertise to offer each other in this partnership,’ Mr Livingston said.

Officials from Sacramento were present at today’s announcement at the Queensland Tourism Industry Council luncheon in Brisbane.

‘Queensland hosted the world’s most successful Masters Games in 1994 and the most successful international veterans athletics championships last year in Brisbane,’ Mr Beattie said.

‘Queensland now has the largest portfolio of supported events in Australia with more than 20 major events and a stable of regional events.

‘Queensland Events Corporation is now 13 years old. During that time the corporation has invested in more than 190 major events producing an economic impact of one billion dollars.

‘Between 1991 and 2000, events supported by Queensland Events Corporation conservatively generated some $870 million in economic impact for Queensland.

‘It is expected that for the three years, 2001 – 2003, investments by Queensland Events will return some $690 million in economic value to the state.

‘The average rate of return on investment for Queensland events this year will be 24 to 1 – that is $24 in economic impact for every $1 invested.

‘Next year that is expected to rise to 30 to 1 with events such as the Rugby World Cup and the Rotary International Convention.

For further information please contact:

John Algate
T: 3224 4500