Premiership worth $20 million to city

Jessica Benton
THE CATS’ premiership win could result in a $20 million windfall for Geelong, according to a business leader.
Chamber of Commerce executive officer Lawrie Miller predicted the Cats’ second premiership win in three years would result in millions being spent locally.
“Locally, Geelong could reap in order of $10 to $20 million,” he said.
“You only have to look at each football match of the season, home or away, where about $1.5 million is spent within Geelong by locals and visitors.”
The figures accounted for spending on accommodation, meals and “incidental” purchases, Mr Miller said.
Worldwide focus was now on the Cats and Geelong, Mr Miller added.
“Geelong Cats are international icons, known worldwide,” he said.
“There is no other club or city like Geelong.
“We’re the only non-metropolitan area that hosts an AFL team and when you look at that, Geelong is obviously a go-ahead place.
“The sponsorship of Ford is an indication alone of a huge amount of support locally for what the Geelong Football Club does.”
Mr Miller predicted Geelong would continue to see businesses wanting to set up in the city after the victory.
He said the win would also “excite” the government into turning more attention towards Geelong.
“I’m not being silly when I say the government really likes cities that support their local clubs and sports events.
“You can’t deny that Geelong is the focus at the moment, we’ve come of age and will continue to be a very big focus for Victoria and Australia.
“We’ve certainly thrown off the sleepy hollow image, that’s done and dusted thank goodness.”
Mr Miller expected the windfall to roll out over the next few years.