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Plans by Tamworth Regional Council to introduce a levy on local businesses that benefit from spending during festival and major events has been criticised as “shortsighted and opportunistic”.

Tamworth Mayor Col Murray has called for an investigation into securing a “revenue stream” from local businesses which benefit from expensive major events such as the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Suggesting that a levy on events would help cover the costs of hosting them, Mayor Murray stated “it is important that council is proactive in ensuring those who benefit most from the attraction, management and subsidisation of major events are also making an appropriate contribution towards the cost of hosting those events.”

Mayor Murray, who in a Council statement, commented that he “expects parts of the community may oppose the introduction of any new levy”, says the main beneficiaries of large festivals and events are accommodation providers, hotels, restaurants, cafes and retailers.

However, Tamworth Business Chamber President Jye Segboer said a fair levy needs to include everyone who benefits from the big events, such as supermarkets and airlines.

Slamming the potential levy as “shortsighted and opportunistic”, Segboer stated “will they be asked to contribute as well?”

Mayor Murray said the Region has “enormous capacity” to host large numbers of people in many different venues, supported by a strong accommodation and hospitality sector.

He added “Council finances major corporate, sporting and entertainment events each year that bring enormous benefits to the region, however they also come at a substantial cost. The intention is to investigate opportunities that provide Council with an enhanced potential to invest in new events – further developing the social, cultural and economic benefits.

“These events come at a cost to Council, and by extension, the rate paying community of the Tamworth Region.”

A consultation process giving the community a chance to tell Council what they think about any revenue proposal is now being undertaken.

Image: Tamworth Country Music Festival

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