Since the 2018 event, Elite Energy have sought input and advice from the Shoalhaven Council, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), local residents, businesses and stakeholders.

As a result of the open discussion, Elite Energy believe that they now have a triathlon course that will best suit the needs of the more than 5000 athletes that attend the event, while ensuring minimal disruption to residents and stakeholders in the area.

The proposed change will be the first time in the event’s 14-year history that the course has changed.

“The triathlon festival and the Huskisson area has changed dramatically over the past 14 years, from a small town with a small triathlon, to a key tourist destination with the second biggest triathlon festival in the southern hemisphere,” CEO of Elite Energy Mark Emerton said. 

“Everything has grown remarkably and it has come to a stage where we needed to address this and adjust the course accordingly – it is only fair on the residents and the athletes that have made this event what it is today.

“The main area of concern in a triathlon will always be the bike leg, as this is when we mix cars with bikes on already busy and, at times congested roads, in attractive locations such as Huskisson.

“One of the main growth areas has been Bayswood and Vincentia Marketplace.

“The proposed new course will now have triathletes ride along Jervis Bay Road and U-turn prior to this built up area, thus allowing full motorist access to and from the shopping centre and residential precincts”.

As such, it is proposed Jervis Bay Road will be only be closed on the Sunday, from 7am till 1pm, with all northbound traffic from the area being detoured through Island Point Road.

“We appreciate that this will be an inconvenience, as the actual extra distance travelled will be a maximum of 5.8km,” Emerton said.

“But these changes to traffic flow will allow greater access to and from all areas of Jervis Bay.

“The new bike courses will see Owen Street open to traffic and visitors for the Sunday, as competitors will now travel behind the shops and the cinema following Huskisson Road (past the tip) – opening up access to all the shops.

“Woollamia Road will only be used for select periods of time on the Saturday, while still allowing access to the industrial estate during select periods.

“We understand that these events bring some disruption to local and visiting traffic but through careful consideration and consultation with residents, stakeholders, businesses, council and RMS, we believe the proposed new course and traffic management plans address the issues raised in the past, minimising disruption to the region.

“We ask that patience and common sense be considered during the event that has many benefits to the community on many levels”.

According to the Shoalhaven Councils Economic Benefit Report (generated through REMPLAN), the event held at the end of February each year, has an estimated economic benefit to the Shoalhaven area in excess of $3,000,000 annually.

The event, which also creates jobs via local labourers, last year donated more than of $25,000 to volunteer groups and continues to pioneer the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle – a program the Shoalhaven Council have targeted as a key objective in last year’s annual plan towards combating growing rates of obesity and other health issues in the region.  

For further information in regards to the 2019 Huskisson Triathlon Festival, please head to www.eliteenergy.com.au