- Backroads Gravel to race into the Mid West until 2027
- Major Cycling and running festival expected to attract more than a thousand visitors to the region
- Community event supported by the Cook Government through Tourism WA
- Renewing funding for this event delivers on election commitment
Backroads Gravel sprints into action today, with a new three-year State Government sponsorship deal helping to bring the Mid West's biggest community sporting event to life.
Kicking off in Nabawa, the event showcasesgravel cycling and running, featuring rugged off-road trails spanning 5km to 160km across the Mid West's canola and crop lined roads, water crossings and farm tracks.
The event has grown rapidly since it launched in 2022 and has become a drawcard sporting event for the Mid West.
The 2024 Backroads Gravel attracted over 750 participants and injected over $500,000 into the local economy, with flow-on benefits reaching Geraldton and the wider Mid West region.
The Cook Government, through Tourism WA, is set to support the annual community sporting event until 2027, with this year's event expected to welcome even more visitors to the region.
Supporting events like Backroads Gravel is part of the Cook Government's commitment to driving economic diversification in the regions by delivering a calendar of events all year round to boost local businesses and industry.
Find out more at www.theeventteam.com.au/backroads-gravel
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Cook Government is proud to continue supporting Backroads Gravel for the next three years.
"This wonderful event brings excitement to the Mid West, and I look forward to seeing it grow over the next few years, bringing bigger numbers to the region.
"Mass participation sporting events are a huge drawcard for visitors to regional areas, boosting local tourism and hospitality businesses, and injecting vital tourist dollars into the economy."
Comments attributed to Mid West Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Backroads Gravel has become an iconic event for the Mid West region, showcasing its spectacular landscapes and bringing together its vibrant sporting community.
"Our government is pleased to be supporting this event for the next three years as part of our commitment to diversifying the Mid West economy and strengthening regional communities."
Comments attributed to MLC Sandra Carr:
"It's been fantastic to see Backroads Gravel get bigger and better every year, attracting avidcyclists and runners from all over WA.
"Not only does this event put Geraldton and the Mid West on the map as a go-to destination forrecreation but it is boosting our local businesses and strengthening our community."