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A proposed entertainment centre at Bomen has been welcomed by tourism operators, who say it would be a big boost for the city’s economy.
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Plans for the former Riverina Woolcombing plant include a 35,000 person outdoor amphitheatre with camping facilities, an 8000-seat indoor arena, an enormous exhibition hall and a restaurant.
Lawson Motor Inn owner Geoff Kidd said it would be a twin win for Wagga: Extra money coming into the city from tourists and extra events for locals.
“Anything brings people into the city for any event is a good thing, I’d support any of these initiatives that want to effectively bring events to the city,” Mr Kidd said.
“It would be a terrific boost for the community and in any town you need things for people to look forward to.”
Proponents for the entertainment centre say Wagga’s unique position between Sydney and Melbourne had the potential to draw from close to 10 million people for big events like the Byron Bay Bluesfest and CMC Rocks.
Centres in Cairns and Darwin, both with far fewer people to draw upon, pumped between $40 million and $100 million into their local economies each year.
Joel Berrigan from the International Hotel agreed with Mr Kidd, saying politicians and businessmen were looking for the “next big thing” in regional Australia.
“If these people want to put their hand up and build something like this there are only benefits in the long run,” Mr Berrigan said.
“The potential goes beyond drawing from Sydney and Melbourne, Jetgo’s brought a whole new base of people to Wagga from Queensland.
“Private enterprise needs to start doing its job and council needs to start letting them – the sooner they realise Wagga is a city and not a big country town, the better.”
Destination Riverina Murray chair Genevieve Fleming said the flow on effects of a large music venue would be a big benefit to the rest of the economy.
“We’ve extrapolated figures that show if we extend visitors to town for a graduation or march out, even for one night, the impact can be about $1 million for Wagga,” Ms Fleming said.
“We would welcome anything that brings people to the region.”