David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am proud to advise the House that the Warwick Polocrosse Club, led by Les Fraser and his dedicated team, will host the next Polocrosse World Cup in 2019 at Warwick's premier polocrosse grounds, Morgan Park, for the third time. It is expected that when this major event returns to Warwick in 2019 that it will be the largest international sporting event to be held in rural Australia.

Many would be surprised to learn that polocrosse has a rich history in Australia, having been created here in 1939. The world cup in 2019 will mark the 80th birthday of polocrosse, also known as 'rugby on horseback'. It will draw thousands of Australian and international competitors to the Southern Downs to battle it out for the title. There are eight nations eligible to play at the world cup level, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA, United Kingdom, Ireland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Over a seven-day competition, all eight will vie to be crowned the next world champion.

It is expected that this prestigious cup event will attract more than 60,000 visitors to the region, including thousands of international visitors. With the new Toowoomba-Wellcamp airport on our doorstop, our region is set to benefit infinitely. Aside from a swell in tourist numbers to the region, this event will pump more than $10 million dollars into Warwick's local economy.

I would like to commend Les Fraser and his team for their energy and passion in securing this event, and also extend my gratitude to the Southern Downs Regional Council for their efforts in ensuring the return of this great sporting event.