Page 3322 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 22 September 2015
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MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Chief Minister, what are the broader economic benefits for Canberra of hosting major events?
MR BARR: There is a range of significant benefits depending, of course, on the nature of the events. Some are mass participation events that will bring participants and their families and friends to the city, sometimes for the first time and others as part of important repeat visits and increased length of stay as a result of major events.
There is a range of other high profile events that enable the city to be showcased on a national or international stage to television audiences. An example of this, of course, was our city’s involvement in the Asian Cup football tournament over the last summer, including individual matches, which achieved peak viewing audiences of around 30 million people, particularly the match between China and North Korea.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Fitzharris.
MS FITZHARRIS: Minister, what has been the feedback from the community and major sporting organisations on our ability to host world-class events?
MR BARR: It has been very positive feedback, both from event organisers and from the broader Canberra community. We have researched extensively community attitudes and support for events in the city and the different types of events that the ACT government supports. There is, I am pleased to be able to advise the Assembly, strong community support for the city to continue to host major events.
I know the feedback from event organisers as diverse as the Asian Cup organising committee, the team at Cricket Australia and organisers of social, cultural and artistic events has been very positive about the city and its capacity to host those major events. So we look forward to continuing a strong program of events for Canberra in the years ahead.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Fitzharris.
MS FITZHARRIS: Minister, how do major events help to promote Canberra as a tourism destination?
MR BARR: Principally they help with length of stay; so people who come for events tend to stay longer. In addition to coming for the events, they will also spend time exploring other elements of our city’s tourism offerings. They are also important in supporting repeat visitation to Canberra. They provide another reason for people to visit the city. The success of our major events program and our major events fund over many years demonstrates this fact.
I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
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