Lismore has secured the rights to host Baseball Australia’s junior and senior championships until 2020, bringing more than $13 million into the local economy.
Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro made the announcement at the Albert Park Baseball Complex yesterday morning along with MP Thomas George and representatives from Baseball Australia and Lismore City Council.
The Australia Little League and Senior League Championships championship events will be held from 2016 to 2020 and will generate significant economic benefits, according to Mr George.
‘This is a great opportunity for tourism in Lismore, providing us with an opportunity to showcase Lismore’s accommodation, fantastic restaurants and local attractions as well as attracting visitors to the wider NSW North Coast region,’ he said.
Minister Barilaro said the championships ere expected to attract more than 14,000 domestic and international overnight visitors to Lismore between now and 2020.
‘Lismore is becoming the natural home for baseball in NSW,’ he said.
‘The Australia Little League and Senior League Championships will provide an outstanding platform for community members and visitors to develop relationships and networks, while local businesses and community groups benefit from the economic stimulus that tourism brings.” ’
Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres, said the event was secured through the NSW government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
‘ “The growing interest in baseball continues to rise after NSW secured the Opening Series of the 2014 Major League Baseball, held at the SCG, and the city will host the upcoming World Baseball Classic Qualifier in 2016,’ Mr Ayres said.
The championships will be held in conjunction with Far North Coast Baseball Association. The Senior League titles will take place in May and the Little League Championships will take place in June each year.
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