The Mount Gambier City Council will invest $22,500 to bring a national event to the region next year, which could have a return of over $1m for the local economy.
Council has committed to sponsoring a rally event hosted by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA).
The request for sponsorship was tabled for discussion when elected members and senior council staff met last week for council’s September monthly meeting.
An application from the CMCA sought council sponsorship of $20,000 along with an additional $2500 in-kind support.
Council’s Community Events Officer Xarnia Keding reported on the economic impact the event could have on the local area.
“The rally is expected to have 1200-1500 members attend of which 85% are from interstate,” she said.
“Based on 1200 interstate visitors for seven days spending an average of $100 per day has an economic benefit of $1028,093.
“The Rally Open Day is expecting 1000 participants for one day, spending an average of $50 has been calculated to have an economic benefit of $61,245.”
Council agreed to sponsor the event, which will be included in next year’s financial budget.
The event will be held at the Mount Gambier showgrounds from September 22-29, 2024, with an open day for the general public to experience RV lifestyle.
Club chief executive Richard Barwick said members loved attending rallies and would travel significant distances to do so.
Established in 1986, CMCA is Australia’s largest recreational vehicle (RV) club with reportedly around 70,000 members.
“CMCA stage its national rally every year at different locations around Australia,” Mr Barwick said.
“In the early 2000s we previously held a rally at Mount Gambier at the showgrounds, which was fully supported by council.
“Success can be determined if we choose to return to a town or city for a second or third event.
“Past rallies have attracted 600 vehicles, the record being more than 1400 at Toowoomba in 2004.”
As part of the CMCA presentation tabled in the meeting agenda, Mr Barwick acknowledged figures vary.
“Each area and site are different and offers different qualities,” he said.
Various activities on offer with the potential to draw in visitors include tours of the local area, seminars and presentations, demonstrations, competitions, nightly entertainment, shopping and the annual Rally Ball.
The CMCA intends to use as many local suppliers as possible including small businesses, service clubs, community organisations and schools.
Mayor Lynette Martin said there was no underestimating the benefit events such as this could bring to the city in terms of visitation, economic activity and promotion.
According to CMCA figures, the event can generate a spend of around $2.5-$3m.
“The return on investment by council is very significant and repeat visitation is assured,” Mr Barwick said.
“The success of the event will be determined by surveying members and exhibitors who attend. Feedback is passed on to council.”
In conjunction with the timing of the rally the organisation holds its Annual General Meeting.
Meanwhile, the Mayor and chief executive Sarah Philpott were invited to attend at this year’s rally presentation night being held next month in Queensland.
Though council opted to decline the invitation, it moved to freight promotional material of the city to be showcased at the event.
In her report to council, Ms Keding said representation at the rally in October would strain current resourcing, however highlighted the opportunity to advertise the city.
“There is an opportunity to promote Mount Gambier and tap into the vast network of campervan and motorhome enthusiasts … this can be achieved by providing promotional material,” she said.
