Auld kicks-off Southport chamber

With the amount of publicity surrounding the AFL’s newest team, the big questions are sure to be surrounding the GCFC’s anticipated impact on the local economy.

Auld’s team won’t be kicking off in the AFL until 2011 but the club already has its key sponsor Host Plus, as well as a number of significant partners and patron partner Southport Sharks.

Auld told Gold Coast Business News in August that a survey from the club shows a support base of around 200,000 people on the Coast that support the AFL, of which 40,000 will support GCFC.

“It’s difficult to gauge as we haven’t played a game yet but that’s a very good starting point that there’s a healthy appetite for the AFL on the Gold Coast,” says Auld.

“In terms of the economic benefits, over the next 10 years we will generate $330 million worth of economic activity of which more than $300 million will benefit Gold Coast businesses and create jobs.”

The club’s AFL entry has also led to a $130 million extension project for Carrara Stadium, which is creating construction jobs. And while the new Commonwealth Games capacity stadium will help the Gold Coast community, the sport itself will hopefully attract visitors.

“We are here for the Gold Coast community but we expect that 50 per cent of attendees at games will be away visitors and that’s a significant intake, which along with the three other national codes will bolster tourism on the Gold Coast,” says Auld.

The Southport Chamber’s business breakfast is being held on December 1 at the Southport Sharks Australian Rules Football Club.

More info at: www.southportchamberofcommerce.org.au