Hosting an NRL match would help the city survive a possible recession, says Dubbo mayor Ben Shields.
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On Monday, Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders said an NRL match was guaranteed here in 2021.
The NRL Regional Taskforce chair said there would be four to six regional matches each year and Dubbo was an obvious choice.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro has also confirmed the NSW government will help fund it because of the benefit it brings to the community.
Dubbo Regional Council believes the match would cost about $568,000, which includes $300,000 to the NRL teams for appearance fees and almost $200,000 to prepare Apex Oval.
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Cr Shields said normally, the cost would be too high, but in "tough times" it was a great thing to do.
"We know it's important to have an NRL game in Dubbo because we are coming into uncertain economic times. Some people are even saying we're heading into a recession not seen since the Great Depression," Cr Shields said.
"The idea that we can gather thousands of people into Dubbo, which in turn will fill our hotels, fill our restaurants, fill our motels, and all other hospitality providers is certainly a good thing. It's also a good thing that the game would be broadcast right around the east coast of Australia, showcasing how good Dubbo is. Dubbo will be a talking point and on the minds of literally millions of people."
If 11,000 people attend, it's projected the economic benefit to the city would be almost $900,000 thanks to 4400 guests from outside Dubbo.
Dubbo Regional Council was expected to made a decision on hosting a game on Monday night. Initially council was looking at spending no more than $370,000.
However, after the NSW government announcement, the vote was deferred to allow council to discuss the issue with the relevant parties.
Councillor John Ryan said he was pleased the government would help reduce the financial burden on ratepayers, while deputy mayor Stephen Lawrence thanked Mr Saunders for helping council secure a match.