The future of Targa Tasmania has been secured for the next five years, with the announcement of $1.97 million in state government funding.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The funding announcement comes at a significant moment in the Targa Tasmania's history, after an independent inquiry released its investigation into the deaths of three participants at the 2021 event.
Shane Navin, Leigh Mundy and Dennis Neagle tragically died within the space of two days in two separate crashes during the April event.
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Sarah Courtney said as a government, their thoughts remained with the friends and families of those who died at last year's Targa, but they would continue to work closely with event organisers to ensure future events were as safe as possible.
"It is very pleasing to see that Targa along with Motorsports Australia, will ensure that the recommendations are implemented in time for next year's Targa," Ms Courtney said.
"We know that motorsports at times can be a more dangerous sport, we work really closely with Targa Tasmania to ensure it is as safe as possible, not just for competitors but for bystanders."
Targa Tasmania chief executive Mark Perry said the funding commitment provided assurance for the event's future.
"The government has been incredibly supportive in what has been a very difficult times for us as an organisation," he said.
Ms Courtney said the event continued to be important for tourism in regional Tasmania, and was televised to 130 different countries.
"In terms of the opportunity to highlight and showcase the extraordinarily beautiful natural environment we have here in Tasmania, being able to showcase out amazing landscapes to a worldwide audience is a great opportunity," she said.
Around 80 per cent of of Targa competitors travel from outside the state to compete in the event, with spectators and competitors staying in Tasmania for 10 nights on average.
"I'm so excited for the upcoming event and to cement Targa Tasmania's future with this funding agreement, which will no doubt result in benefits to our economy state-wide," Ms Courtney said.
The six-day event covers more than 2000 kilometres of the state, with about 40 competitive stages catering for up to 300 cars.
Targa Tasmania will return from April 26 to May 1, 2022.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: