What is the purpose of the survey?

    This survey aims to understand the economic benefits and impacts of sports events and activities across Lake Macquarie, and will help shape millions of dollars’ worth of investment in years to come.

    It’s designed to gather information from our professional and amateur sporting associations, groups and clubs to assess the economic benefits and impacts of sport in Lake Macquarie. It would be ideal to hear from management teams and committee member representatives for sporting organisations.

    Information from the survey will help determine which sports attract local, regional and interstate events, how many participants and spectators they attract each year and what times of year are busiest for any given sport. It will also show where there is growth potential and identifying areas for further support and future investment.


    What is sports tourism?

    Sports tourism refers to travel which involves either observing or participating in a sporting event and staying away from home. It can be recorded as a contributing economic driver.

    Has Council consulted with sporting groups about this information in the past?

    No. This is the first time that we are aware of that a local council has engaged  with sporting associations, clubs and organisation across all sports to gain an understanding of where further support is needed and identify opportunities to boost sports tourism in the region.

    What will Council do with the information?

    The information from the survey will be used by Council to make informed decisions to best support the sporting community and plan for future investment.

    Will the responses be available publicly?

    An engagement summary will highlight the survey results and will be available on the project website shape.lakemac.com.au/sports-tourism-survey.

    Individual responses will not be published.

    What happens next?

    A summary report will be presented to Council and to support grants, events and proposed infrastructure projects for the city.

    As this is an inaugural document, the findings will also be made available to other sporting, tourism and local governments interested in undertaking a similar research project.

    Who can I contact if I want more information?


    Lake Macquarie Tourism Office

    [email protected]

    Jacqui Hemsley - Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism

    [email protected]

    02 4921 0411