BATHURST’S unashamed pursuit of visitor dollars shows no sign of slowing – and nor should it.
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The latest chapter in this ongoing tale is the announcement of plans to further develop the Hereford Street sporting precinct at a cost of more than $6 million.
THE NSW Government will contribute $2.6 million to project to go with Bathurst Regional Council’s $3.6 million to carry out a project that will include two new fields for rugby league or rugby union; a sealed car park for about 1400 vehicles; a roundabout to make it easier to get into the precinct; and an amenities building to service the two new fields.
The driving forces behind the project say it won’t detract from Carrington Park’s standing as Bathurst’s number one rugby league ground, and nor should the development of the precinct draw dollars away from ongoing upgrades at Carrington.
Rather, the two new fields will provide an ideal opportunity for Bathurst to host rugby league and rugby union carnivals, bringing in hundreds of players and supporters – along with a boost to the economy of several thousands of dollars – each time an event is held there.
It’s a policy we’ve seen repeated plenty of times in recent years, and one that always pays dividends.
It was just a fortnight ago that council was able to confirm Bathurst’s new $1.5 million BMX track had been selected to host a round of the 2020 World Cup – becoming the first Australian track to do so.
If there remained any lingering doubts over the financial viability of the track, the World Cup round will put an end to them.
Council’s recent policy of heavy investment in local sporting infrastructure has, at times, drawn criticism from other sectors of the community. But the sports spending has never been solely focused on improving facilities for local participants, though they have clearly greatly benefited.
More importantly, the policy has been focused on bringing regional, state, national and even international competitions to town. By growing the visitor economy, council has helped grow the broader economy, and that has benefited every sector.
In just the past few years council has invested in upgraded facilities for cycling, harness racing and BMX, with a new go kart track, new tennis clubhouse and upgraded Australian rules and cricket infrastructure on the drawing board. It’s a record no other regional city could come close to matching.
