Sport hopes take a surge
SEVERE flooding may have wreaked havoc through the Cassowary Coast during the past week but the rainfall has created conditions that could attract more whitewater rafting competitions to the Far North.
Tully River is set to host the Australian Rafting Federation’s pre-world Australian titles in May ahead of the Australian Rafting Federation’s main event next year.
Experience Co chief executive Anthony Ritter, whose business is part of the rafting event, said the high river levels would impress competitors and make Tully a forerunner for future events.
“It’s a good prelude to the real thing and all this rain has been really positive for whitewater rafting,” he said. Keep up to date with the latest on the weather
“It is too early to say what the river levels will be like for next year’s competition but in May Tully will be on show and should get plenty of interest from around the world.
“We’ve helped the team prepare the bid and have got some resources allocated in preparing for the pre-worlds and the actual world cup meet. It’s really exciting for the region.
“Some of our guys are saying that, with this water level the way it is, it can be argued that the current conditions will give the best rafting in 20 years.”
The world rafting championships will be staged over eight days on the Tully River and is expected to bring up to 700 athletes and thousands of spectators to the Cassowary Coast region. Mayor John Kremastos said the event would add to the region’s reputation as an adventure capital.
“The world rafting championships are a perfect fit and testimony to more than 30 years of world-class whitewater rafting in this region.”
It is the first time Australia has been selected to host the event.
Australian Rafting Federation co-ordinator Graham Maifredi said the Cassowary Coast was up against countries such as Canada to host the event.