The beauty of Wollongong has been a tightly held secret so far.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The odd Sydney-sider comes down to enjoy our beaches when the weather is good, and there's a public holiday, and we all know about the influx of city dwellers into the regions.
But it's always felt like we've got off lightly.
On Friday, a $5m federal funding boost for Wollongong 2022 was announced. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said, will help boost the event's international profile, with more than 300 million expected to watch the race worldwide.
It's an exciting moment. Wollongong is about to hit the world map, and there might be no going back once the secret is out.
An estimated 300,000 people are expected to line Wollongong's streets to spectate the event. The event is predicted to deliver between $18.4 million and $23.9 million in direct international visitor expenditure and drive $95 million in total economic output into the economy.
Over 400 direct and indirect full-time equivalent jobs will be created to boost employment in the region.
The numbers sound impressive, and the preparation from Wollongong 2022 for Friday's route launch was equally so.
They've met with businesses, schools and communities that will be affected by the event. Wollongong 2022 CEO Stu Taggart has made it clear that he wants to hear from companies to find out how they can work together to ensure minimal impact on deliveries and maximise trade from the event.
St Mary's Star of the Sea College is right on the start/finish line of the race, and Principle Tony Fitzgerald has shown businesses around the Illawarra how to be flexible.
He's called the September school holidays a week early, so parents don't have to navigate road closures and so his students can get involved either watching or volunteering at the event.
For those facing several days not being able to get out of their driveway - rent your home out and make a quick buck, sell baked goods to passersby or charge your mates for front row tickets.
Whatever you do, get on board.
- Gayle Tomlinson
The Illawarra Mercury newsroom is funded by our readers. You can subscribe to support our journalism here.
Have your Say:
Gayle Tomlinson
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury. Scottish but fell in love with Dharawal Land. Send us your feedback and questions. Subscribe so we can continue to speak up for the Illawarra.
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury. Scottish but fell in love with Dharawal Land. Send us your feedback and questions. Subscribe so we can continue to speak up for the Illawarra.
