IT’S a largely untapped market but one that could bring enormous economic benefits for Goulburn if done correctly.
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The council is heavily pushing sports tourism in its overall economic development plan for the area.
Over the past six months or more, staff and councillors have worked hard to secure major sporting events that, according to an August report, could conservatively pump $2.5 million into the local economy.
It’s been a highly cooperative effort with Goulburn Hockey and Cricket Associations liaising with their parent bodies to pull in the tournaments.
The former can take a bow for the Hockey NSW Women’s and Men’s Masters indoor championships to be held here over the next two weekends.
They’ve channelled funds into infrastructure at the Veolia Arena and devoted volunteer resources to ensure the events’ success.
Goulburn Hockey Association president Marc Calvert tells us the city is also in with a big chance of securing the State field championships if the Workers Arena turf can be upgraded.
That’s the clincher if the sports tourism thrust is to succeed; major investment in Goulburn’s sporting facilities will be critical in coming years.
The Veolia Arena is undoubtedly a work in progress. The mayor has conceded it requires improvements, like more amenities, better acoustics and climate control.
We don’t yet have a fully fledged performing arts venue but that too will come in time.
Sports Marketing Australia obviously sees Goulburn’s potential, offering to meet with local organisations to assess their capacity to host larger events.
The council has been generous in underwriting some of the already secured tournaments. That’s laudable and a great incentive to sporting codes.
But it will have to weigh up future investment in sport infrastructure, especially in any amalgamation shake-up, and where it sits in the broader scheme.
If it means letting go of the $9 million sports stadium idea in favour of several other projects, then so be it.
At the very least, sports tourism and the variety of events the council is targeting, will open youngsters’ minds to more opportunities.
At the most, it’s a great economic stimulus from which many local businesses will benefit.
We’d like to see some of them return the favour through sponsorship of events and struggling local sport associations.
The next few weekends will be big ones for Goulburn.
On February 12 to 14 hockey fans will be competing for accommodation with Blues Festival enthusiasts.
As they say, the place will be humming.
