AN upgrade of the ageing Carrington Park grandstand will come under serious consideration as Bathurst Regional Council looks to extend its contract to host National Rugby League matches at the venue.
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Council is in the fourth year of a five-year deal with the Penrith Panthers to play one match each year at Carrington, with this year’s clash against the Canberra Raiders set down for June 10.
The contract has made Bathurst the envy of other regional centres across NSW and Queensland and mayor Gary Rush said council was keen to see the deal continue beyond 2018.
“Council is keen to continue discussions with Panthers about extending the contract which is currently due to expire after next year’s match,” Cr Rush said.
“We are talking about a 10-year deal which looks attractive to both parties.”
Cr Rush said the deal with Panthers supported council’s bid to grow the local “visitor economy” and Panthers benefited from the chance to increase the club’s reach and brand awareness.
Council has also used the deal with with Panthers to fast-track upgrades at Carrington Park over the three years it has been in place.
First, council funded an upgrade of the playing surface and drainage after the Panthers’ first Bathurst clash against the Cronulla Sharks in 2014 was played on a muddy, heavy track that detracted from the quality of the game.
Next came replacement seating in the grandstand and an upgraded amenities block for paying fans.
Over summer, council has installed a new $150,000 LED screen at the ground and upgraded the lighting to allow for night matches to be broadcast on television.
Further improvements to the grandstand will be next on the drawing board and Cr Rush said discussions had already begun.
“As part of our budget discussions we are looking at what funding might be available in the coming financial year to complete that particular project,” he said.
“It’s the same strategy we have with all our facilities, to place ourselves in a position to host major events when the opportunity arises.
“For example, the BMX track was only ever going to be built at an international or Olympic standard and having hosted the nationals last year we are about to have the Oceania championships here. Across those two events you’re looking at a contribution of around $16 million to the community.”
Council has never revealed the cost of bringing the Panthers here each year, but it is believed to be around $250,000 per match.
