The International Rally of Queensland, staged on the Sunshine Coast, will be elevated to Significant Regional Event Scheme status and it will benefit from a $150,000 investment over three years as the state government announcement of more than $1 million in funding for the Queensland Events Regional Development Program.

Acting premier Andrew Fraser, who made the announcement while in Townsville at the inaugural QERDP conference, said the latest round of funding would be shared among a number of regional locations and would boost tourism, create jobs, and foster local economic activity.

“The value and success of the program is wide‑reaching, and I look forward to these events continuing to bring social and economic benefits to Queensland.”

The IRQ has grown in numbers and stature each year and is now part of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship.