The Property Council of Australia has welcomed today’s announcement by Premier Iemma of plans to supercharge the State’s efforts in attracting major events with the appointment of eminent business and sporting leaders to the board of a new major events organisation.
“We strongly welcome today’s announcement of the appointment of business and sporting leaders including John O’Neill, John Coates, Kim Williams and Richard Colless to oversee operation of Events New South Wales Pty Ltd,” said NSW executive director Ken Morrison.
“It’s also great to see the property industry which provides hotel and other tourist accommodation is represented on the Board by Charlotte Vidor from Medina Serviced Apartments.
“It’s clear that NSW is now out of the blocks and back in the major events race.
“Today’s announcement is great news for NSW, with John O’Neill now confirmed to lead the new organisation to focus on making NSW a mecca for major sporting, cultural and business events.”
The Property Council said it was significant that the new organisation would report directly to Premier Iemma.
“The fact this new organisation charged with promoting NSW and Sydney reports directly to the Premier is important. It shows the highest possible level of Government commitment,” Mr Morrison said.
“It’s great to see our Premier lead the charge to put NSW on the global events map.”
The Property Council welcomed the Government’s commitment to fund the new organisation by providing $85 million over the next three years.
“Competing on the global stage for major events needs strong political and financial backing.”
The Property Council said industry is still keenly awaiting the release of John O’Neill’s findings from a review into Sydney’s convention and exhibition facilities.
The Property Council is calling for expanded convention and exhibition facilities to capture a bigger share of this lucrative global market.
Contact:
Ken Morrison, NSW Executive Director, 0412 233 715
