TAMWORTH’S reputation as a bunch of ‘country hicks’ has been identified by Tamworth Regional Council as a weakness to attracting new events.
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The controversial events levy that hits the hip pockets of businesses will go before council on Tuesday.
The town needs to show city-slickers we are far more than the hick reputation that proceeds us, mayor Col Murray said.
“I think that’s a bit of a legacy that a lot of rural cities have,” he said.
“It’s a perception we feel is made by city-dwellers but we hope to demonstrate that we’re a lot more than that – with our infrastructure, attractions and venues to hold events.”
I think that’s a bit of a legacy that a lot of rural cities have.
- Col Murray
The aim of the levy is to increase Tamworth’s capacity to hold new events and boost wealth for businesses.
The total increase in rates for businesses over a three year period is 9.7 per cent – expected to raise $600,000 exclusively for new events.
Accommodation price gouging is one of the issues identified with attraction of new events, without any regulatory powers in the area, Cr Murray hopes new events spread across the quiet periods will slow the need for vendors to hike up their prices.
“There’s no silver bullet to fix that,” he said.
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“But the opportunity is there to capture events we are missing out on now.
“The reality is when you compete for events it becomes like an auction, if you aren’t prepared to put support toward it you aren’t likely to win a hosting opportunity.”
The events would be decided upon by a panel of experts, stakeholders and a councillor, yet to be determined.
If the special rate variation is given the green light by council it will go to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal for assessment.
Given the go-ahead by IPART, the rate will be in place for all Tamworth businesses from July 1.
Cr Murray hopes the rate variation will gain council’s support on Tuesday.
“I think for the benefit of the city, in the middle of the worst drought on record, this has the potential to be new revenue for businesses in the city,” he said.
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