SPORT’S contribution to the Bathurst economy has been well-documented, but it’s still good to have a reminder every now and then.
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The Great Race at Mount Panorama, obviously, is the big sporting event each year, bringing money and exposure to Bathurst that other regional cities could only dream about, but there are a number of other events that also play their part.
The recent Women’s State Masters Hockey Championships, for example, brought more than 100 teams to town, booking out local accommodation providers and ensuring a big boost for the hospitality industry.
Hosting an event of this magnitude wouldn’t have been possible without the facilities at the Cooke Hockey Complex.
Similarly, major cricket carnivals are held regularly in Bathurst because of the top quality turf wickets and grounds the city can offer.
Council’s bike park in the shadows of Mount Panorama is starting to take shape, the new trotting complex is winning plenty of praise and now things are falling into place nicely as council plans for a second circuit at Mount Panorama.
Now Bathurst’s rugby league community can celebrate its own good news as council plans for four new fields on Hereford Street near the Ashwood Park rugby union complex.
As reported today, it’s going to be a staged development, with council planning an initial spend of $1.3 million to get two fields up and running as a venue for junior rugby league.
It will be another big development in a city in which big developments seem to be announced almost monthly – from roadworks to CBD apartments to new residential subdivisions.
And it will be another top quality sporting facility in a city lucky enough to have plenty of them.
But Bathurstians should avoid getting blase about all this work.
We may be enjoying success, but, as anyone who has ever played sport would know, it takes hard work to stay on top.