MUSEUMS, theatres and galleries at Dubbo and six other regional cities contributed more than $60 million to the local economy in the 2012-2013 financial year, new research has shown.
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Jobs and a boost to household incomes also flowed from the 26 cultural facilities in the seven NSW Evocities.
The positive economic impact of the centres was shown by the Adding Value! report released on the eve of Local Government Week, August 4 to 10.
Taking into account flow-on effects, the 26 cultural facilities funded by local government created a total of $61.8 million in goods and services to the combined economies.
The sum was derived from $41.4 million in operations, $2.4 million in capital expenditure and a tourist visitation impact of $17.9 million.
With flow-on effects, the facilities also generated an additional $4.86 million from an initial impact of $10.54 million to create $15.40 million in income to households across the Evocities regions.
In total Dubbo’s theatre, cultural centre and historic “gaol” and 23 facilities at other cities included in the report employed 158 full-time staff.
The study found that for every 10 full-time equivalent positions within the attractions, on average an additional 8.5 full-time equivalent positions were created across the combined economies.
It also showed an average return on investment by local, state and federal government of 69 per cent.
Research for Adding Value! was commissioned in 2013 by the seven councils that partnered for the Evocities campaign - Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.
The campaign began in 2010 to encourage people to live, work and invest outside the Sydney metropolitan area and mayors of the Evocities welcomed the study’s confirmation of the value of investment in cultural facilities.
Dubbo mayor Mathew Dickerson said the cultural institutions were an integral part of the city, providing benefits to both residents and visitors, “while also providing a valuable contribution to our local economy”.
“The Old Dubbo Gaol, Western Plains Cultural Centre and Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre are fantastic examples of facilities that promote community cohesion, a sense of identity and place while providing historical education and unique event venues for our community,” he said.
“These cultural institutions also help contribute to Dubbo’s strong visitor economy.”
NSW local government minister Paul Toole launched the report and said it confirmed the great value provided by local government through the provision of museums, galleries and performing arts centres.
“Not only do they help mould and shape the community identity by supporting local arts workers, and providing access for regional audiences, they also contribute positively to the local and regional economies and provide a positive return on investment for both state and local government,” he said.
