City of Coffs Harbour is set to secure a multi-year agreement to host five flagship Oztag events, expected to generate up to $100 million in economic impact over the life of the proposed deal.
The agreement, negotiated between the City and Australian Oztag, would confirm Coffs Harbour as the host of the Junior State Shield, Junior State Cup, Senior State Cup, Junior Australian Championships and Senior Australian Championships from 2027 through to June 2031.
Coffs Harbour has hosted Oztag events since 2016, but until now hosting arrangements have been negotiated annually. The proposed agreement would provide long-term certainty for both the City and Australian Oztag.
“This will be fantastic result for both parties. Oztag loves holdings its events here because we have the infrastructure where they can do everything at a single site, and Coffs loves welcoming these athletes, officials and supporters as they generate a substantial boost to the economy,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“The advantage of having Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park on the doorstep of the C.ex Coffs International Stadium ticks the boxes for Oztag – as do the beaches, the ease of getting to and moving around Coffs, and the warm welcome always extended to the athletes.”
City Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said the case for strengthening the City’s long-standing partnership with Australian Oztag was compelling.
“The five-event Oztag portfolio is weighted as a high-performing investment for the City, generating up to $20m per year in economic impact and you can see that in the direct boost to accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants, pubs and clubs,” Fitzgibbon said.
“There’s also legacy value for Coffs Harbour in that the premium participant experience of athletes and supporters leads to repeat visitation like family summer holidays.”
The proposed agreement does not include State of Origin or International Tag Series events, which will continue to be considered separately.
“Extending our long-standing partnership with the City of Coffs Harbour through to 2031 is a fantastic outcome for Australian Oztag,” Australian Oztag CEO Chris Cowan said.
“Securing a multi-year agreement for these five flagship tournaments provides our organisation and the local community with certainty and stability moving forward.
“The sporting precinct in Coffs Harbour is unmatched in regional Australia for Oztag events fielding 300-plus teams or upwards of 5,000 players plus support crews, referees, friends and families. Having the C.ex Coffs International Stadium allows us to deliver high-calibre pathway events for our athletes while giving players, families, and supporters an exceptional off-field destination experience.”
Under the proposed partnership, the City will provide operational and in-kind support for the events and pay a hosting fee to Australian Oztag. The value of the fee is commercial-in-confidence.
Coffs Harbour will host three major Oztag events later this year: the ITF Tag World Cup from 15 to 18 October, the Australian Junior Championships from 30 October to 1 November, and the Australian Senior Championships from 13 to 15 November.
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