The Gold Coast sporting economy has hit $747 million – the highest in council’s history.
“That is how much money grass roots sport, as well as the big sporting events, contribute to our economy annually,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“Currently, we are ranked the 26th best Sport City in the World (*in the 10th annual edition of the Burson Cohn & Wolfe – 2022 Sports Practice report).
“I don’t focus on the ranking number. I focus on where the gaps are so far as infrastructure, and how we can fill them.”
The City’s post Games legacy facilities such as Coomera and GC Sports and Leisure Centre (Carrara) are running at 90-plus percent capacity. That’s the best news .. no white elephants from the GC2018 games,” he said.
“Further, our City’s sport attraction program helps bring national and international sport organisations and businesses to the Gold Coast. This generates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity for small businesses.”
Mayor Tate said the world freestyle BMX Cup – set for the coast in December – was a further coup as we prepare BMX athletes for Paris 2024 and the LA Games in 2028.
“What residents can appreciate is that in the last decade, we have spent more than $500 million on sports facilities while capping any rate increase at, or near, CPI.
“We are now planning for a host of new sporting fields at Greenheart as well as the upgraded Palm Beach Aquatic Centre ($70 million).”
Gold Coast sport industry and relevant statistics can be found at wearegoldcoast.com.au/business-invest/key-industry-sectors/sport and goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Doing-business/Supporting-business/Business-incentives-investment-programs/Sport-attraction.
