Camden Haven businesses had lobbied Mayor Pinson to have the event date moved so it did not impact on the community's ability to celebrate Father's Day.

Peta Pinson put a recommendation to Council on May 3rd to move the event date.

Mayor Pinson's move to have the race rescheduled was overruled by fellow councillors, who agreed that the council's CEO Dr Clare Allen should enter into immediate negotiations with the Ironman Australia organizers to see if it where possible to find a more suitable date for the event by the close of business on Monday 3rd May.

If a rescheduling date could not be agreed, then the event was to proceed as scheduled.

In considering the matter, The Ironman organizers had to consider the timing of other Ironman events, tides, water temperatures and more.

The calendar of confirmed local events for Port Macquarie-Hastings was also a factor.

The Port Macquarie Ironman Australia and 70.3 event was postponed then cancelled in 2020 due to COVID health restrictions and sunsequently rescheduled to May 2nd this year.

After the March floods the event was rescheduled again to September 5th.

If the mayor's request had succeeded that would have meant the event, which injects about $10 million into the local economy, would be moved for a third time.

Ironman Oceania managing director Dave Beeche had worked directly with the council staff, Destination NSW and the Local Organising Committee at the beginning of April where all parties had agreed to push the race back to September.

Discussion between council's CEO Dr Clare Allen and Ironman Australia officials failed to produce an alternative date for the event.

With regard to the Ironman event, the general manager of Laurieton United Services Club, Rob Dwyer, had said in his submission to the council, that the Ironman event 'Paralyses' the community.

He was supported in this by Club North Haven.

Dr Allen stated that every alternative date had been explored.

'We discussed the idea of a different route, but given the time frame and the strong safety concerns raised, this was considered not possible to change," Dr Allen said.

'We really appreciate that not only have the Ironman athletes endured last year's cancellation, but also the postponement earlier this year due to the natural disaster'.

'We are very appreciative of their willingness to try to meet the recognised needs of our community'.

'The event being held on Father's Day will be incredibly disappointing for those in the Camden Haven region, particularly after all they have been through' Mayor Pinson said.

The Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce supported the Ironman event going ahead as planned.