PORT Stephens will soon host a Swim Bike Run (SBR) event being funded by the NSW Government.

The Port Stephens economy will receive a stimulus boost with an influx of visitors set to spend big in local shops, cafes and businesses, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund.

Previous sporting events have demonstrated positive economic impact including Sail Port Stephens, which is a flagship event for the region.

Competitors can choose from a variety of distances, making participation in the event more accessible.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said a $177,521 grant for the SBR Weekend has enabled the swimming, bike riding and running event.

“The SBR (swim, bike run) Weekend is a new event for Port Stephens from 9 to 11 December,” Mr Martin said.

“The event features a series of ironman-distance races, plus a range of shorter distance events that cater for everyone from elite competitors to beginners, fitness enthusiasts and kids.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is supporting the growth of existing regional events and attracting new major domestic and international events to regional NSW.

“Money is rolling out right across regional NSW helping local events go from strength to strength and putting regional NSW on the map,” Mr Toole said.

“We know that hosting events in regional areas attracts visitors to towns, and those guests will spend money in local shops, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or café, and boost regional businesses and economies.

“Since its inception, the Regional Events Acceleration Fund has supported the delivery and development of 85 events, with more than one million visitors travelling to regional areas where these events are held.”

SBR Weekend organiser Mark “Emo” Emerton said the funding would allow the event to increase visitation to town, provide great value for visitors, help boost tourism and support local business.

“I’m delighted to be able to put on such an iconic event for locals and visitors thanks to the Regional Events Acceleration Fund,” Mr Emerton said.

The $40-million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the $2-billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.

Applications for round two of the Regional Events Acceleration Fund are now open and close 5pm Tuesday, 4 October.

By Marian SAMPSON