$9m games boost for city, says audit

Andrew Mathieson
THE Geelong region reaped $9 million in economic benefits from hosting an Australian Masters Games earlier this year, according to an “independent” audit.
The audit has supported moves for Geelong to permanently host every second games after the city locked in the event for 2017 and 2021.
Geelong’s games advisory board is awaiting a decision from Canberra officials on the city’s offer to also host the 2013 games.
In an annual report to council, Geelong Major Events said the audit used a criteria based on higher spending from visitors than residents to calculate February’s 12th Masters Games returned $9 million.
More than 12,000 participants, volunteers and other visitors from across Australia were in Geelong for 10 days, the report said.
Geelong Otway Tourism executive director Roger Grant called the spending and attendance “a shot in the arm” for the city and the future of the games.
“The thing that is really important from these events is that we get a real spin-off from them,” he said.
“Not only do people come to participate but, they find that the destination itself exceeds their expectations. After they have been here for the games, quite often they will come back in very a short time to experience the city again.”
Mr Grant said research from the audit suggested about 35 to 40 per cent, or between 4200 and 4800 of the games visitors, planned to return to the region within 12 months.
Surf Coast was one of the most popular destinations among the visitors, he said.
A broader economic impact study including regions “external” to Geelong found that country and interstate games visitors spent $13.7 million.
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell said the financial spin-offs should support council’s attempts to bankroll future Masters Games bids.
“Geelong’s Masters Games were up against this year the World Masters in Sydney, so that would have kept some people away.