For years now, we’ve been told that Summernats brings economic benefit to Canberra. So I thought I’d ask the question – who benefits? Let’s try and avoid this thread falling into the pothole that all other Summernats threads fall into, and let’s not discuss the loutish behaviour and alcohol restrictions etc. I am hoping the hivemind, with its finger in many pies, might be able to answer a simple question – who benefits economically from the event?
Obviously EPIC benefits, and the food vendors that operate there. Shell Gateway benefits from having thousands of people next door who clean the place out of all types of fastfood. The servos in Dickson and Watson benefit from considerably increased sales. Presumably the takeaways in Dickson as well. And the cheapo accommodation options in Watson. My partner’s store, which sells car-related product sees some, but very little benefit, but it’s not in North Canberra so that’s understandable.
But I spoke to someone who runs a takeaway in Mitchell – he sees no benefit. Restaurants in Lyneham, zip.
So who benefits? Is your work directly affected, and in a positive or negative way?
[ED – A story in today’s CT suggests even Chic Henry isn’t doing so flash this year]