Now it’s time for local business to chip in too, offsetting the council’s investment, Mayor Bob Kirk says.

At Tuesday’s night’s meeting, councillors decided at his suggestion to commission the general manager to prepare a discussion paper. It will examine how businesses benefiting from the events may reciprocate the council’s and community’s investment.

The year has proven a hit with NSW Indoor and Australian Hockey Championships secured for the Veolia Arena. The State event, incorporating the Men’s and Women’s Masters, will also be held in Goulburn over the next two years, following success of the first tournaments.

Council staff also managed to pull in the under 18 boys and girls and under 21 open men and women’s tournaments for 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Marketing, events and culture manager Sarah Ruberto said they were all important drivers of regional tourism and a chance for cross promotion of other events on the same weekends.

“This was seen during the under 18 girls championships, which saw many of the parents and players attend Pictures and Popcorn in the Park, commenting on the sophistication of the event and how much Goulburn had evolved into a dynamic, innovative city,” she reported to the council.

Based on Tourism Research Australia figures of a $234/person per night spend, and factoring in player and spectator numbers, she calculated a total $3,562,650 economic value to Goulburn from the NSW Indoor Hockey Championships.

Over the three years this would equate to a “conservative” $10,687,950. In contrast, the council pumped in a total $61,780, plus floor maintenance of about $6000 per year. Council general manager Warwick Bennett said the most recent event caused damage to the floor but it was caused by stones in players’ shoes, picked up while warming up outside.

“In future, referees must examine shoes before players take to the court and this will be imposed as a condition of use,” he said.

A partnership with Hockey Australia has also reaped rewards. Tournaments this year have led to the chance to host ‘The Festival of Indoor Hockey’ in January, 2018.

Five age groups, spanning almost the entire month, could draw nearly 800 players plus visitors. Ms Ruberto estimated a $1.76m economic spin-off to Goulburn for a $37,087 council commitment. Marketing and promotion and in-kind staff support would add more. Negotiations are underway with Hockey Australia to secure the event.

Cr Kirk said all up, it was a significant injection.

“A lot of it is profit. We know it’s spread across cafes, restaurants, motels and accommodation but ultimately it’s spread across the community,” he said.

“The council outlays money on behalf of the community but ultimately it’s a very set range of businesses who benefit most. I think...perhaps there’s room to consider a scaled involvement by those who benefit.

“...Conversely, if we didn’t hold these events, what would be the impact?”