Would you attend the world powerboat championships at Lake Mulwala

The Monaco-based Union Internationale Motonautique chose Lake Mulwala ahead of venues in the US, Canada and New Zealand for the 2010 World Grand Prix Hydroplane Championship.

Yarrawonga-Mulwal a Tourism event co-ordinator Barb Macdermid was elated at the decision.

“It’s pretty awesome, we’re pretty ecstatic and stoked about it and a little bit frightened to be granted this,” Ms Macdermid said.

“Now let’s hope everyone in the community and funding resources come good, so we can turn it on and give the community what it deserves.”

Ms Macdermid said Yarrawonga-Mulwala’s 6500 beds, excluding camping

areas, should be booked out for the

titles, which will run across the last two weekends of November next year.

It is expected $10?million or more will pour into the region from spending on accommodation, fuel and food.

Fellow event organiser Grant Harrison said the average team spent about $5000 a weekend on competing alone.

He expects four to five teams to travel from New Zealand, competitors from the US as well as at least six home crews.

It is the second time Australia has hosted the world championships, with the first at Taree in 2005.

Ms Macdermid expects pay television to cover the event, with the footage to be seen around the globe.

“That, to me, is the most important thing — it tells the world about our Corowa Shire and Moira Shire region,” she said.

The boats will probably complete a four-lap oval circuit.

Their length can range between 20ft (6m) and 26ft (8m), with the output of engines extending from 1200 to 1800 horsepower.

“They’re the big woofers and they’re the ones that blast everyone off the water,” Ms Macdermid said.