Cowboys’ $ 94m brand

A REPORT into the economic impact of the North Queensland Cowboys shows they contributed more than $ 94 million to the local economy during their premiership winning year.

An economic impact assessment by Empower Economics and commissioned by the Cowboys shows the huge economic and promotional benefits the NRL club provided to the region in 2015.

The Cowboys generated $ 94.675 million in output, created 459 jobs including 284 directly, created more than $ 27,000 in wages and added $ 45.8 million to gross regional product. The club also generated more than $ 50 million in multimedia promotional terms.

The report states the economic impact assessment quan- tifies the benefit the Cowboys bring to the Townsville regional economy.

“Individually and as a team, the Cowboys on- field performance is evident in every element and accolade of the game,” the report states.

“Little however is known of the economic and promotional value that the North Queensland Cowboys provides to the Townsville North Queensland region. In order to quantify this value, the North Queensland Cowboys commissioned Empower Economics to undertake an Economic Impact Assessment ( EIA) of the Toyota North Queensland 2015 season.”

Townsville Enterprise Ltd tourism and events director Bridget Woods said the Cowboys provided valuable marketing of the region and had been used by TEL in promotions.

“The economic benefit the Cowboys bring to Townsville and North Queensland cannot be overstated for our region,” she said.

“The Cowboys not only raise the profile of Townsville and the North Queensland region but they inject significant revenue into our economy.”

Mayor Jenny Hill said the city was fortunate to be the club’s home base.

“They have obviously raised Townsville’s profile signifi- cantly and not just Townsville, but North Queensland, as the Cowboys see themselves as a regional product and not just a Townsville product,” she said.

“No doubt they are going to be a huge part of the ( new) stadium and they supported bringing the stadium into the CBD but we need to remember as well that the stadium is not just for the NRL.”

The Cowboys are on a recruitment drive to sign up 5000 new members this year.

There are a range of variously priced membership options. Phone 1300 462 692.