NSW ready to raid South Australia’s big events
A report in The Adelaide Advertiser today says that South Australia has been warned to be ready to protect major events against possible raids by a cashed-up NSW.
Tourism and accommodation bodies as well as the Opposition are concerned by a NSW proposal to grab major events from other states.
NSW Premier Morris Iemma has launched an $85 million plan to have its own major events calendar within three years. The plan hinges on poaching major events – such as the Grand Prix – from other states.
“We will be competing for events right across the spectrum, regardless of where they are held and nothing will be ruled out,” Mr Iemma said. Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said the Government was confident of retaining the state’s “iconic” events with long-term contracts recently secured for the Clipsal 500 and WOMADelaide.
“The Tour Down Under is ours, we own it and no one can take it from us,” she said.
“New events secured for SA include the Rugby Sevens, the World Food Exchange and the International Guitar Festival while the Fringe and WOMADelaide have successfully been transformed into annual events.”
Australian Hotels Association chief executive Ian Horne said SA could not afford to become complacent. “We would be greatly concerned about any success NSW might have because our state already punches well above its weight in attracting major events,” Mr Horne said.
“Major events are a key component in ensuring the success of our accommodation industry.”
Opposition tourism spokesman Michael Pengilly said the Government had ripped about $470,000 out of the Events SA budget and this would make it hard for the body to attract more events to the state.
Report by The Mole and The Adelaide Advertiser
John Alwyn-Jones
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