The City of Launceston has pre-committed $20,000 to the National Band Championships organising committee ahead of next year’s competition in the city.
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The 2017 Australian National Band Championships will be held in Launceston in April, and are expected to inject between $1.97 million and $2.5 million into the local economy.
According to Monday’s council agenda the final amount will be dependent on Launceston accommodation numbers and regional dispersal.
More than 3500 amatuer musicians are expected to compete in 68 different bands during the four-day event.
The motion to pre-commit the event incentive funding was moved by Alderman Danny Gibson during Monday’s council meeting.
Alderman Gibson characterised the impact the competition would have on the local economy as “mind blowing.”
“The return on investment in this instance is incredible,” he said.
"My word, what a return we are going to get.”
Alderman Robin McKendrick seconded the motion, and said the Championships would utilise spaces such as the Albert Hall, Launceston College, Hotel Grand Chancellor and Launceston streets.
Alderman Darren Alexander said it was his understanding that at least three local hotels were already booked out for the period of April 14-17 next year.
Deputy Mayor Rob Soward said aside from the economic impacts that came with hosting the Championships, local musicians would also benefit.
“For young aspiring people what better way to inspire than seeing high quality (musicians) from around the country,” he said.
“It inspires our young people who work in this sphere.”
The event recieved a score of 93 percent against the council’s assessment criteria for event incentive applications.
No other pre commitments have been endorsed by council for the 2016-17 budget period.