MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND

 An event with a difference, the 9^th World Parachutists Over Phorty Society (POPS) Meet and Championships 2008 is an exciting nine days for competitors and spectators alike. 

It is truly amazing to see jumpers aged from 40 to their mid 80s take to the skies in this international skydiving competition. 

Taking place in Toogoolawah near Esk, in our beautiful Brisbane Valley, the World POPS Meet includes nine competition events and up to ten state, national and world record attempts. 

The 9^th World POPS Meet and Championships 2008 is proudly supported by my Government through the Queensland Events Regional Development Program. 

Regional events deliver an enormous boost to local economies – bringing in business, creating jobs, attracting tourists and fuelling growth, prosperity and offer a tremendous sense of pride for the host communities. 

Already, the funding program has provided more than $9.7 million to some 460 regional events since it started as a world-first initiative in 2001. Across the State, thousands of individuals, community groups, local councils and in some cases entire towns, put countless hours into ensuring their events are a success. 

The Queensland Government is proud to share the passion and the achievements of the State’s regions through this program. Enjoy the World POPS Meet, and I hope you will have an opportunity to discover more of Queensland’s great events in the coming year.

ANNA BLIGH MP

PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND