THOUSANDS of yellow rubber ducks will be released into the Queanbeyan river to raise money for charity, if plans for the city’s duck race take flight.

The Great Queanbeyan Duck Race Festival, run by the Queanbeyan Rotary Club, and supported by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) is earmarked for April 9 next year.

The race would see thousands of numbered rubber ducks cascade into the Queanbeyan River near the Queen Elizabeth II park, and float towards the finish line at the weir.

Ducks, fitted with weights to help them float, will sell for $5 a piece or six for $25 with money rasied going to Queanbeyan charities.

Brisbane hosts the biggest duck race in Australia with more than 40,000 ducks and the world’s largest duck race is in London where 250,000 ducks race along the Thames.

But festival organiser and Queanbeyan Rotary club member Merran Toone believes Queanbeyan boasts one of the best venues in the world for it’s own duck race.

“This could put Queanbeyan on the map,” Ms Toone says.

Ms Toone anticipates between five and ten thousand rubber ducks to take part in the 200 metre race.

Logistical details such as where the race will start and how  thousands of rubber ducks will be launched into the river, are still being worked out.

“We wanted to drop the ducks off the bridge with a front-end loader but that wasn’t possible because its a main road and we’d have to close it, so we have to find of another way to get them into the river.

“We are thinking of getting a big bag made up or a sling to help us launch all the ducks into the water.”

All ducks will be retrieved from the river after the race.

“I’ve talked to Wildcare and they are okay with it, the SES are also on board to help with safety aspects on the day and the Men’s Shed are building a v-shaped funnel for the finish line,” Ms Toone says.

“There will also be floating barriers to stop the ducks going past the weir and barriers along the banks of the river to stop ducks getting caught up in the reeds.”

Ms Toone says there’ll be prizes for the duck race-winners, as well as duck themed activities, food and drink stalls, a duck decorating competition, and a duck race specifically for businesses and sporting groups.

“We also want people to name the ducks they buy like Quack Sparrow, Ducktor Who, Maykybe Diver and my favourites are James Pond, Duck Norris, Hugh Quackman and Breaddie Mercury.”

Ms Toone hopes the “quirky” event will bring people together.

“We have all been through hard times and hopefully by April we will be able to celebrate once again as a community and enjoy this event together,” Ms Toone says.

Anyone wanting to get involved or help sponsor the event should contact the Queanbeyan Rotray Club or Ms Toone at mtoone@ozemail.com.au