Fraser Coast emerging as sports events hub
Published on 18 March 2026
Fraser Coast Regional Council is attracting a growing pipeline of major sporting events, positioning the region as a leading destination while delivering significant economic and community benefits.
Deputy Mayor Sara Diana Faraj said Council’s event acquisition efforts were attracting competitions that boost the local economy while creating opportunities for the community.
“Hosting events is about more than just competition days - it delivers real benefits for local businesses, supports local jobs and showcases the Fraser Coast to new audiences,” she said.
“Across the coming years, we are expecting more than 20 events that could attract over 9,000 participants, nearly 19,000 visitors and generate more than 53,000 visitor nights in the region.
“That translates to an estimated $17.3 million in direct economic impact for the Fraser Coast - a major boost for accommodation providers, hospitality venues and local tourism operators.
“Our events calendar continues to grow month by month as we attract more competitions and festivals to the Fraser Coast.
Cr Faraj said the events would also deliver lasting benefits for local sporting clubs and community groups through coaching courses, “come and try” sessions and fundraising opportunities.
Events spokesperson Cr Lachlan Cosgrove said strategic partnerships - including working with Sports Marketing Australia through its Events Placement Program - were helping position the Fraser Coast as a regional sports super centre in Queensland.
“The Fraser Coast is a fantastic place to host events, with a supportive community and locations that competitors and visitors love,” he said.
“By attracting major competitions now, we are building the experience and reputation required to secure even larger events and high-performance training camps as we move towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Fraser Coast is well on its way to becoming a regional sports super centre, capable of hosting events from grassroots competitions through to elite training camps.”
Among the events already confirmed and announced are the annual Queensland Schools State Triathlon Championships through to 2028 and the inaugural Hervey Bay Half Marathon Festival on 21 June.
Other events include the Tenpin Bowling Association of Queensland’s Q Tour South event at the Maryborough Tenpin Bowl from 2026 to 2028, and the Butterfly Effect women’s fitness competition scheduled for Hervey Bay in March 2026 and 2027.
Sports Marketing Australia (SMA) Director Jason Sleeman said the Fraser Coast was well-positioned to attract major events and training camps.
“This year marks SMA’s 25th anniversary, celebrating a proven track record of partnering with local governments, destinations, sporting organisations, event owners and suppliers across Australia and New Zealand,” he said.
“We are delighted to welcome Fraser Coast Regional Council to our Events Placement Program. The Fraser Coast region offers high-quality facilities, strong accommodation and tourism infrastructure, and a demonstrated history of successfully hosting major events.”
Find out what the Butterfly Effect women’s fitness competition is all about and what it means for Hervey Bay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0Gvq2FkVCI