A report presented to Council at its February meeting highlights that for an annual investment of $401,033 (financial and in-kind) to support local events, the return is conservatively estimated at $13,880,000 in economic benefits to Mount Gambier.
City of Mount Gambier General Manager City Growth Dr Judy Nagy said Council has a solid history of supporting many community and special events that deliver both community and economic benefits, however, evidence of the outcomes can be difficult to quantify.
“The report shows an estimate of the number of people involved in any event, with a prediction of the percentage of visitors who would potentially stay overnight and utilises a standard dollar multiplier value for an average spend of $136 per night for domestic visitors, multiplied by the number of nights they may stay,” Dr Nagy said.
Some of the Council sponsored events included in the analysis include: the Australian Sprintcar Championships, Red Hot Summer Tour, Australia Day Awards and Breakfast, Autofest, Limestone Coast Opera, Mount Gambier Fringe Festival, Generations in Jazz, 100 Mile Classic, Pedal Prix Carnival, Tour of the Great South Coast, Mount Gambier Christmas Parade, Brass Band Festival and Blue Lake Fun Run.
The findings are based on conservative estimates and assumptions and do not capture all events. The report summarises larger recurring annual events, or those that bring a higher number of visitors to Mount Gambier.
“The economic benefits flow on to local businesses and the nearby region. Council’s contribution provides for significant returns that flow to the community as part of support for economic development. This support provides benefits for the community far in excess of the dollars and staffing resources allocated to events management, support and funding,” she said.
“Though it is not possible to determine some factors with complete accuracy, outcomes indicate that about half of the Council sponsored events attract visitors and the other half are staged for our local people. Events are not just about attracting visitors to the region with opportunities for the community to come together providing important contributions to wellbeing and social cohesion.”
For further information please contact City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
