Townsville to light up the skies for Strand s 10th anniversary

Date: Friday, 25th September 2009

Townsville is ready to turn on the biggest air show in Australia, Mayor Cr Les Tyrell said today.

“Everything is ready for a huge weekend. It would be great to have our usual clear blue skies but even if there’s still haze around it’s going to be a fantastic day,” Cr Tyrell said.

“Viewing the aircraft and the fireworks won’t be a problem. Aircraft have been flying over the Strand today and it’s been great.

“Townsville people are a resilient bunch and they won’t let this worry them.”

Cr Tyrell said he couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate 10 years of the redeveloped Strand than a big show like this.

“This won’t be your regular sky show. Townsville is going to see something very special on the Strand – a location that is world class and dear to the heart of local residents,” he said.

“I’d just remind people to make sure they plan properly and be patient getting in and out of North Ward.”

Events and protocol manager Tom Aubrey said the council had undertaken a major logistical exercise to manage the huge crowd tomorrow.

Hundreds of portable toilets and rubbish bins have been brought in for the event

Food, first-aid, and amenities will be available at the command points: Oxley St, Gregory St headland, Strand Park, and the McKinley St roundabout.

A main stage in Strand Park will feature entertainment from midday to 1.20pm and 5.30pm to 7.10pm. Speakers have also been set at various points to carry a live broadcast of the show on 4TO/HOT FM.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to turn out on the Strand to see the world famous USAF Thunderbirds, Australia’s own Roulettes, F/A 18s, the last public appearance of the Carabous, and a fantastic range of vintage military aircraft.

The event will continue into the night when the Strand lights up with the final ever F1-11 dump-and-burn in the city and the council’s huge fireworks finale.

In addition to the action in the sky, entertainment will include concerts by the RAAF and 1st Battalion RAR bands, refreshments, displays and children`s amusements.

Visitors can also get up close to some of the aircraft and speak to the pilots at the Defence Force Open Day at Townsville’s RAAF Base, between 9am to 3pm on Sunday.