Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey is calling for a show of support for AgQuip next week amid the ongoing impact of the drought.
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“It’s important that AgQuip goes ahead,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Our message at Gunnedah Shire Council is one of encouragement for those exhibitors who have committed to AgQuip in tough times… and to encourage people to still support and attend AgQuip.
“This is the year to do it, this is the time to do it… to not only support AgQuip but our community, our hotels, our cafes and our shops.
“It’s an important time for the town’s businesses and their financial viability.”
Cr Chaffey said AgQuip is “the meeting place of people on the land”.
“It’s probably the number one tourist attraction or event that happens in our town,” he said.
The council’s economic development manager Charlotte Hoddle said the benefits of AgQuip are two-pronged, with people visiting from interstate to see “the very best in agricultural innovations and services” and providing an opportunity for producer to “get together and socialise; either over a steak sandwich or walking the aisles to check out all that is on offer”.
“Visitors to this event are always in excess of 100,000 every year. There is limited data available, however, transactions during the period can be assumed that visitors are spending an average of $150; the total direct impact on our economy can therefore be approximated at $12 million. There is so much potential for our local businesses to make the most of these visitors while they are in town.
“Gunnedah residents should not discount the benefits that an event has on our shire, not only in increased spend to our retailers, food and accommodation providers but also by enhancing Gunnedah as a destination, which has the potential to increase return visitation following the event.”
Cr Chaffey is chair of Namoi Unlimited and said AgQuip is “the pinnacle of that trip”. The delegation of government and business representatives from Ningbo will visit from August 19-22.
