Home Run Opportunity for Lismore Tourism

The Baseball season will put Lismore on the map in 2016 as Baseball Australia's primary junior competitions come to town, attracting tourists, teams and supporters from all over the Country.

Member for Lismore Thomas George said the NSW Government in partnership with Lismore City Council has secured the Australia Little League and Senior League Championships for Lismore for the next five years

“The Championship events will be held from 2016 to 2020 and will generate significant economic benefits,” Mr George said.

“This is a great opportunity for tourism in Lismore, providing us with an opportunity to showcase Lismore's accommodation, fantastic restaurants and local attractions as well as attracting visitors to the wider NSW North Coast region.

“The Event is expected to attract more than 14,000 domestic and international overnight visitors with a total visitor spend of $13.2 million across the five year period.”

Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro said hosting sporting events in the regions plays a vital role in bringing communities together and boosting local regional economies.

“The Australia Little League and Senior League Championships will provide an outstanding platform for community members and visitors to develop relationships and networks, while local businesses and community groups benefit from the economic stimulus that tourism brings,” Mr Barilaro said.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the event has been secured through the Government's tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

“The growing interest in baseball continues to rise after NSW secured the Opening Series of the 2014 Major League Baseball, held at the SCG and the city will host the upcoming World Baseball Classic Qualifier in 2016,” Mr Ayres said.

The Championships will be held at the Albert Park Baseball & Softball Complex in Lismore in conjunction with Far North Coast Baseball Association. The Australian Senior League Championships will take place in May and the Little League Championships will take place in June each year.