Attracting major sporting events to Dubbo will be top of the agenda for newly minted Dubbo regional Council CEO Michael McMahon thanks to an innovative suggestion from councillor Kevin Parker.
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Councillor Parker requested the CEO draft a significant sporting event attraction package and he has the backing of the entire council.
The package will aim to attract women's AFL, women’s Big Bash cricket, A League, NRL fixtures, Super Rugby and various national championships utilising the council’s existing infrastructure.
Cr Parker said Council must get the community behind the idea.
"We have to think outside the square a bit, we do have and will have the facilities to do these types of things, and we know that they are good for the community in many ways," he said.
"With the proposed Multi-Sport Facilities in the pipeline, Dubbo needs to advise all sports of the city’s assets, our playing fields, Apex Oval, Barden Park, the proposed sports hub.
"The proposed facility can see Dubbo’s legacy as a leading regional sporting centre extended into the future."
Cr Parker said Dubbo should be attracting both niche and mainstream events and if all goes to plan council may have to consider setting up of sports promotion section.
"We have the existing infrastructure in place," he said.
"The facilities Dubbo has already contribute significant dollars into the economy.
“We should have a stand alone sports promotion section of the council, look how well the recent Koori Knockout was for the city, we can and should be hosting sporting events like that regularly.”
Cr Parker did acknowledge the costs of bringing more events to Dubbo was unknown.
"It is a little hard to determine costs as it would depend on income and expenditure for each event, but be assured, it is a business transaction, so you hope not to incur a loss,” he said.
"Promoters would have to be involved due to live television and team sponsorship. I would not expect the council to be the only organiser of events, therefore, we would not be liable for all costs."
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We have to think outside the square a bit.
- Kevin Parker