Tamworth Regional Council: Sports fee subsidy review reveals no benchmark for events

The structure of the Significant Sport Event Subsidisation Policy meant there was no benchmark sporting clubs had to meet for funds. The review also found the name of the policy itself was too long.

Each year $40,000 is put aside by the council to fund the program, which allows sporting organisations to apply for a fee subsidy when they host major events.

Council sports and recreational staff found the way spectator numbers were being counted for an event to determine its success, didn't meet industry standards. The review also found the economic benefit of events to Tamworth wasn't being considered in the application process, and consideration also wasn't being given to events that were held over consecutive years.

At the moment the policy funds three subsidised events each year, which the sporting community argues is not enough.

Council acknowledges there's a lot of benefits to the town in hosting sports events, with sometimes thousands of visitors coming to Tamworth, booking accommodation and spending in the city.

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It also agrees a lot of local sports groups suffer due to the strain on volunteers and the charges to use large, or multiple, venues. On Tuesday councillors voted to endorse a new draft policy that would address the issues found in the review.

The draft, now called the Sport Event Subsidisation Policy, will be available for community consultation for 28 days.

The $40,000 council commits annually will remain.

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