Why we should bring a team to the Garden City

WE have seen many key policy decisions and much data over the past few months that have directly impacted on how our local businesses operate.

Newly appointed Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl. Picture: Contributed

WE have seen many key policy decisions and much data over the past few months that have directly impacted on how our local businesses operate, plan, survive and thrive.

A short summary includes:

■ the Reserve Bank keeping the official cash rate at 0.25%

■ Reserve Bank Governor Phillip Lowe warning the economy is experiencing its biggest contraction since the 1930s

■ the uncertain economic conditions that the nation, the state and Toowoomba has faced, which have created winners and losers

■ unemployment rates which have varied from data set to data set, up and down like a yoyo, with no clear certainly in sight

■ government fiscal stimulus packages which buffered the economy

■ the government continuing to work hard to ensure a smooth transition from the current small business and job protection policies

■ a home builders' scheme and improved first home buyers grant that has created a surge in one part of the development and construction economy

■ Toowoomba's diverse and resilient economic base; and

■ investment in Australian skills under the proposed Job Trainer platform.

There is much more, all which I could write about.

But I want to talk about the business of sport and an opportunity that presents itself.

The spikes in COVID-19 in Victoria and NSW, which do make  me cautious, provide an opportunity for us to help our southern states stimulate our local business community.

How?

By supporting a core part of the Australian psyche and culture, that unifies us and is an integral part of our way of life - sport.

A 2020 KPMG report said: "The Australian sports industry is estimated to generate about $32.2 billion in annual sales, resulting in a contribution to GDP of about $14.4 billion and supporting approximately 128,000 full-time equivalent jobs."

Why can't Toowoomba be the host city of an AFL, NRL, A-League or Super Netball team?

The city has a long and rich sporting history.

Toowoomba has the facilities, has hosted national league matches before and is blessed with an airport, so is easily accessible.

The city has great accommodation options and quality local produce, that can be eaten in our diverse eateries.

This could be a bonanza for local businesses and jobs in times of great uncertainty, be used as a short-term measure to assist in activating the CBD and inspire the next generation of Toowoomba sport stars.

I say let's support sport, and bring a team to Toowoomba.

Who knows, it could lead to having a team located here permanently.

Originally published as Why we should bring a team to the Garden City