Tasmania’s annual Targa event has been postponed for the second year in a row and won’t return until 2025, organisers have announced.
Initially scheduled for April 8th to 13th next year, the 31st Targa Tasmania event has been pushed back to take place from April 28th to May 2nd in 2025.
The “bitter blow” comes after the 2023 event was called off following the tragic deaths of four competitors in the space of 12 months.
Targa Director Mark Perry said he was “extremely disappointed” in having to make the call, but believes it is necessary to “ensure a strong event” for the future.
“In recent weeks it has become clear that the full scope of work needed for a successful return makes running the event in April 2024 an unachievable task,” he said.
“While the further delay of our return will be sad news for thousands of people, we must ensure we get everything right first.”
“This delay will enable us to finalise a number of key components while also fully supporting the ongoing coronial inquest which should see us in a position to implement all relevant recommendations from this process for the 2025 TARGA Tasmania.”
Perry acknowledged that competitors, officials, sponsors, and the Tasmanian tourism industry would be reeling from the “bitter blow” but expressed hope for their continued support in the upcoming year.
“TARGA will continue to work tirelessly throughout 2024, maintaining regular communications with the many thousands of people around the world who follow the event, with the clear aim of implementing a myriad of positive changes in preparation for a much-anticipated return in 2025,” he said.
The event injects around $8-10 million into the local visitor economy annually.
Minister for Stadia and Events Nic Street says the state government ‘fully support’ the organisers and will defer the event’s funding for 2024 and extend the current partnership until 2029.
“We remain committed to Targa as a key feature on the Tasmanian events calendar,” Street said.
“Targa Tasmania is an iconic event for our State, and we will not lose focus on the positive impact the competition has on our visitor economy in all the regions the event travels to.”
