AN INDEPENDENT report has found the new Gold Coast AFL team will inject $34 million into the local community each year.
The report, conducted by Queensland economist Dr Christopher Hunn said Gold Coast businesses would be the main beneficiaries of the new team, with more than 90 per cent of the spending benefitting organisations not directly aligned to the new AFL team.
The report had been prepared based on the expectation a new sporting stadium on the Gold Coast would become operational in 2013.
The report says GC17 will also play an important role in implementing government strategies for the Gold Coast area.
“In the process, GC17 will deliver substantial economic and community benefits to the region. It will distribute those benefits widely across the supply chain, and strengthen the regional economic base.” Dr Hunn said.
“Through media attention, GC17 will subtly promote local tourism locations and local productive capabilities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the extent of place marketing generated by GC17 is expected to be significant, and will exceed that of the other football codes.
“GC17 will, in addition, enhance social welfare in the region because of its emphasis upon societal values such as communities, health and sport themes. GC17 will present an opportunity to local residents for leisure, social or sport experience beyond everyday experience.”
GC 17 Chairman John Witheriff said the report backed up his belief that the new team would boost the local economy.
“When we set out on this journey we wanted to prove to the AFL the Gold Coast would provide the foundations for a strong and successful AFL club,” he said.
“We were equally as passionate about how an AFL team would return significant economic and social - as well as sporting - benefits to the community through increased jobs, greater economic and tourist activity and greater opportunities for local families.
