[Rhys Xanthis]

Good AND Bad news everyone

THE Red Bull International Air Race will stay in Perth for another three years from 2010, the WA government has announced.

The event, which will be held next weekend, last year attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators and more then 100 million TV viewers worldwide.

West Australian Tourism Minister Liz Constable said the race would not be held next year but would resume in 2010 for three consecutive years.

"The Red Bull organisers are rejigging their calendar and they want to put the Perth event up front around about March/April and everyone felt that a six month gap between the two races was not long enough,'' Dr Constable said.

"But an 18-month gap gives us time and everyone more time (and) breathing space before we start up again.''

The event involves race pilots from around the world flying between buoys or air gates in the Swan River doing speeds of up to 400km/h, 10 metres above the water.

It is a free event but prime viewing positions can be purchased close to the finish line on the Perth foreshore.

Ms Constable today said, while the event would cost the state government almost $5 million in 2010, the benefits would be worthwhile.

``It returns over $12 million to the local economy ... which is good for business, especially small business,'' Dr Constable said.

``And that's a fantastic to involve people in Western Australia as well as interstate visitors and some overseas visitors.

Means i have to wait 18 months to see it now