AGQUIP has cemented itself as Gunnedah’s biggest cash cow, but it’s the exposure the event generates that is a greater win for the region, according to mayor Jamie Chaffey.
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A large chunk of the 3000-plus exhibitors to show to the 100,000 visitors at AgQuip over the last three days were internationally-based companies.
“I’ve been walking around talking to the different sites, specifically to a lot of international stands, and the feedback I’ve got is not only about the AgQuip field days, but their time spent in the region,” Cr Chaffey said.
(AgQuip) is identified and it’s talked about internationally that Gunnedah is the number one field days in Australia.
- Mayor Jamie Chaffey
“Walking around, I’ve been asking stands, ‘Why here?’ The common theme was that Gunnedah has the best field days.
“It’s identified and it’s talked about internationally that Gunnedah is the number one field days in Australia.
“To hear that is heartening. The community should be so proud.”
Trending across exhibitors this year was advancements in farming technology and precision agriculture.
“There’s a lot of buzz around technology at AgQuip this year,” Cr Chaffey said.
“It’s the first year they’ve had to turn exhibitors away (because there were so many).”
Cr Chaffey said the dollars the annual event generates for the shire was “significant” but that was compounded by the exposure and opportunities of having companies from all over the country and the globe converge on Gunnedah.
“It is significant, there’s no doubt about it,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Motels and hotels were booked out, and some are already booked for next year.
“The retailers in the main street are also seeing new people in the town and restaurants are doing a good trade. It’s one of the highest peak trades in the year and an opportunity to promote ourselves.
“There is nothing on the tourist attraction calendar like it. I must also commend the Rural Press team for what they’ve put forward.”
