The planned Sunshine Coast International TT (SSCITT) is already reaping financial rewards for Maleny even before it has been approved by the authorities.
Yamaha Motor Australia is this week staging a launch of their MT-10 naked motorcycle on the roads that have been proposed as the TT circuit.
YMA director and GM Steven Cotterell lives in Maleny and is a big supporter of the TT, according to spokesman Sean Goldhawk.
The launch has invited two groups of 10 motorcycle journalists which includes three Kiwis. There will also be four Yamaha staff, one photographer and two videographers.
All will need to be fed, fuelled and accommodated in Maleny, injecting much-needed tourist dollars into the community.
“We love the idea of the Sunshine Coast TT but also the weather is a factor – too cold down south,” Sean says.
The Yamaha launch is not the first, nor the last, motorcycle launch to be held in the region.
Motorbike Writer will attend the launch which also allows the journos to ride the entire fleet of Masters of Torque bikes (MT-03, MT-07LA, MT-07HO, MT-09 and MT-10) on the challenging and scenic roads.
We’ve also attended launches in the past of bikes from Honda, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Victory, BMW and Husqvarna in the region.
MBW near Maleny on the Harley Switchback launchEven more launches are bound to be held there after the SSCITT increases worldwide exposure for the region.
SSCITT promoter David Rollins says the planned event in December 2017 would be similar to the famous Isle of Man TT and attract top-class international riders.
Sunshine Coast Council is yet to approve the event which David estimates would inject more than $8.5 million in financial rewards for the local economy.
His plans have been met with both local supporter and protest groups, while a petition of support has already gained more than 5000 signatures.
Rachel Schofield, who organised the Maleny Supports SCITT Motorbike Race Facebook page, says the Yamaha launch is “great news” that will reap financial rewards for the region.
Sweeping bends on Stanley River Rd (Photo Ian Beaton)“It’s proof positive of the many untapped benefits to Maleny and surrounds in having these fantastic roads for riding,” she says.
“This level of exposure, due to the TT race proposal, can only be seen as a positive.
“The Hinterland could soon be experiencing a financial upturn for the community, even before the Sunshine Coast International TT has been approved.
“The potential long-term benefits beyond this are immense for Maleny in particular; job creation, infrastructure improvements, rise in property values, increasingly profitable local businesses and global exposure for local producers, like Maleny Dairies.
“Maleny supports this so the Sunshine Coast Events Board should be snapping it up.”