Campbelltown Sports Stadium could end up hosting big time events such as World Cup qualifiers and rugby internationals if council approves a new sponsorship plan at its meeting tonight.
Councillor Paul Lake wants council to set aside at least $500,000 from its reserves to implement the plan to entice high profile sport here.
The former mayor has lodged a notice of motion, which will be voted on tonight at Campbelltown Council’s meeting.
“This is about both making sure our great stadium is used on a regular basis for big sporting events and also about giving local people the chance to see such events without having to travel to Homebush or the city,’’ he said.
“We put money into our other facilities such as the arts centre and it’s about time we did the same with our sporting venues to bring big time sport to the area.’’
Cr Lake is asking that a report be prepared for a sports venue sponsorship policy and presented to council as soon as possible so it can be included in the 2017-2018 budget.
The policy should address how to build the region’s competitive advantage to host major events at Campbelltown Sports Stadium and how this would boost the reputation of the city and its’ economy, the motion says.
Cr Lake said this morning that such a strategy would mean much more than just ensuring that the stadium was not a white elephant.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Obviously it would be great for local fans not to have to travel far for major sporting events,’’ Cr Lake said.[/social_quote]
“But these events will bring people into Campbelltown and Macarthur and boost the local economy,’’ he said.
“If you don’t spend money you won’t make money.’’
Cr Lake said the sponsorship money would come from council reserves – from things like sale of council land and other sources.
“No, you would not have to put up rates up to get the $500,000.
“We have a great facility close to public transport and if we can end up having a big sporting event there at least once a month, well, what’s wrong with that.’’
Waste of money
Nea Makowski