Page 3663 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 13 September 2017
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MR WALL: You did; there you go.
Ms Berry: but I did not see anyone else there.
MR WALL: So there is some commonality between a Queanbeyan and Tuggeranong upbringing and a west Belconnen one. We love our motor sport. We love our motor sport, Mr Assistant Speaker.
Mr Barr: I went to it once too, but there were not many people there because it was so cold.
MR WALL: The Chief Minister is right in highlighting the weekend it was held. The Queen’s Birthday long weekend in Canberra is not the ideal weekend for an outdoor sports event that was held over three to four days. But bear in mind that this was chosen as a time of year when tourism numbers in the territory are at their lowest. It was, in part, designed as a drawcard to boost tourism through what was the beginning of the winter months.
I note that the benefits of such an event, held over multiple days, that attracts people from interstate are that they do not necessarily attend only that event. Whilst people are here they are attending restaurants; they are attending other attractions. There was certainly the experience of the extended family that visited for the event. Part of the family would go to the race and others would go to some of the institutions and other great attractions that the territory has to offer. I think it is all-important that these sorts of events be put back on the table for discussion and for consideration.
Mr Barr: Massively expensive.
MR WALL: “Massively expensive,” says the Chief Minister; but also of great benefit. Dare I say, as someone who hates football, the cost of GWS games may be seen as massively expensive as well. I think that beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to what major events we bring to the territory. If you love your football, then there is no price too great for getting football into the territory. If you have a different sport of choice, it seems that some prices are too much.
Members interjecting—
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Order!
Ms Le Couteur: Point of order, Mr Assistant Speaker. I cannot hear a word anybody is saying:
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms Le Couteur.
Members interjecting—
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Order! The member will be heard.
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