Gold Coast sports economy worth $747 million

The City of Gold Coast has published new data revealing that the value of its sporting economy has hit $747 million the highest in its history.

Announcing the figure, Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate stated “that is how much money grass roots sport, as well as the big sporting events, contribute to our economy annually.

“Currently, we are ranked the 26th best Sport City in the World.

“I don’t focus on the ranking number. I focus on where the gaps are so far as infrastructure, and how we can fill them.’’

The City’s post Games legacy facilities such as Coomera and Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre (at Carrara) are running at more than 90% capacity. That’s the best news … (there are) no white elephants from the GC2018 games.

“Further, our City’s sport attraction program helps bring national and international sport organisations and businesses to the Gold Coast. This generates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity for small businesses.’’

Mayor Tate said the world freestyle BMX Cup - set for the coast in December - is a further coup for the city as it prepares BMX athletes for the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028, adding “what residents can appreciate is that in the last decade, we have spent more than $500 million on sports facilities while capping any rate increase at, or near, CPI.

“We are now planning for a host of new sporting fields at Greenheart as well as the upgraded Palm Beach Aquatic Centre ($70 million).’’

Click here for more information on the Gold Coast sport industry.

Image: Taekwondo at the Gold Coast Sports Festival.

Note: Gold Coast was ranked 26th best Sport City in the World in the 10th annual edition of the Burson Cohn & Wolfe - 2022 Sports Practice report.