Benalla offered tour stage

Benalla has been approached to host the opening stage of one of Australia’s largest cycling events, the 2017 Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

The proposal is for Stage 1 of the race to begin in Benalla on Thursday, February 2, with the start line in Fawkner Dve.

The end of Stage 1 would be in Mt Beauty, via Myrtleford, Bright and Tawonga Gap.

Benalla Rural City Council manager arts, communications, tourism and events Jilian Mulally told last week’s Finance and Operations Committee that the event would attract more than 3000 people to Benalla, with 365 of those expected to stay overnight, and would have an estimated economic benefit of $26 360.

The race is broadcast nationally on television and attracts national and international competitors.

Council received a funding request from GTR Events for council funding of $20 000, which included $10 000 for marketing, TV broadcast and infrastructure for the event, and for a further $10 000 in-kind for council to provide management of traffic, waste and road conditions.

Ms Mulally instead proposed that council approve funding of $2000 cash and in-kind support of $5000.

Cr Peter Davis recommended that the funding motion be delayed, so council could work on securing more sponsors.

However, the motion for the lesser funding was carried after it was discussed whether council could suggest to the event managers that they approach other businesses in Benalla to sponsor the event to make up the funding shortfall, and if GTR Events might take the proposal to another council if it was not satisfied with Benalla’s offer.

‘‘If we offer them the recommended funding, is it not possible to say to them well, could you then go do accommodation places, supermarkets and whatever to try and get the balance of what they’re asking initially?’’ Cr Ellen Crocker said.

Ms Mulally told the meeting that the timeline was tight as the initial approach to council was ‘‘ . . . about a month ago’’.

‘‘They didn’t provide much information, so we went back to them and said, well provide more information in order for me to be able to bring this forward,’’ Ms Mulally said.

‘‘We’ve had it (the proposal) for a little while. We certainly can hold it over. I would just like to go back to them and say, don’t schedule it elsewhere, the Stage 1.’’

Cr Margaret Richardson expressed concern that the event organisers might go elsewhere.

‘‘February 1 isn’t that far away and a major event like this takes a lot of planning and to have them wavering about whether they start in Benalla or start in Wangaratta it’s not going to make a row of beans difference to them, but it will make a big difference to us and I’d like to move that we support the recommendation,’’ Cr Richardson said.

Cr Crocker agreed. ‘‘I believe it’s too important and event to allow it to slip through our fingers.’’

The motion was passed and the proposal will be given further consideration at tonight’s council meeting.