$2.1m in economic benefit is part of the legacy to Warwick, the town on Queensland's Southern Downs, which recently hosted the Ridley Polocrosse World Cup 2007.

By applying employment factors, the economic activity has potential to create 37 full-time jobs for one year. The figures were confirmed in the findings of an economic impact study published today by Dr Diana Beal, retired Associate Professor in Finance (USQ).

Key findings of the research were outlined by World Cup Chairman Mr Les Fraser:

• More than 40 000 people entered Morgan Park for the Cup.
• Players from at least 11 countries watched the Cup. The Cup attracted the largest attendance at any polocrosse event so far in the world.
• About 70% of Cup visitors travelled from outside the shire. Almost without exception, these were visits to Warwick especially for the World Cup.
• The number of non-local Australian visitors increased dramatically. The estimated number of non-local Australians was 3850 staying about 23,000 visitor nights. This represents an increase of about 40% for both visitors and visitor-nights.
• The number of local day visitors also increased spectacularly. The 4500 day visits of 2003 increased almost three-fold to 13,000 in 2007.
• More than 440 overseas visitors came to Warwick for the Cup for an average stay of 10 days. This compares very favourably with the estimate of 380 overseas players, officials and spectators in 2003.
• Of the survey respondents, 44% were male and 56% were female. The preponderance of women was evident among all three groups of visitors (local, non-local, overseas). In terms of age, 6% of respondents were less than 20 years of age, 22% were 20-34 years, 33% were 35-49 years and 39% were 50 years and over.
• The estimated expenditure by the visitors was approximately A$1.362 million. In addition to this estimated expenditure, the organisers collected almost $1 million in receipts, an increase of about 75% on the revenue collected in 2003.

Dr Diana Beal commented, "The economic value-added and activity generated by the Cup has an impact about equal to one month's operations of the Warwick Shire Council. This is a great result for the region."

Mr Fraser, a successful local businessman and lifelong polocrosse enthusiast who chaired the inaugural Polocrosse World Cup, confirmed that the 2003's $1.4m in economic benefit to Warwick is dwarfed by this year's results. He paid tribute to his committee, to the army of volunteers and to sponsors who made the event possible.

Mr Fraser added, "In terms of growing our audience, we are greatly encouraged to see from the full report such a high proportion of visitors who are not horse owners, also that our foray into outdoor advertising proved effective in spreading the word."

Warwick Shire Mayor Cr. Ron Bellingham said, "The findings confirm a tremendous result for the local economy both immediately and in the medium term. For organisers to be able to attract an audience of this size to a regional centre is a great achievement. This type of result is both a great economic lift and a great morale booster for a rural area feeling the effects of prolonged drought. Les Fraser and his team must be congratulated on this result."

By applying employment factors, this economic activity has the potential to create 37 full-time jobs for one year (based on Queensland Treasury's Type II multipliers). That result outshines the 2003 Cup result of 25 full-time jobs for one year.

In December 2005 Warwick fended off bids from interstate to secure the Cup and received support from the state government through Queensland Events Corporation as well as through the Warwick Shire Council. A subsequent grant from Queensland Sport & Recreation assisted with additional infrastructure to Morgan Park, a facility recognised as the best polocrosse facility in the world.

While the Warwick Polocrosse Club will continue to stage major polocrosse competitions at Morgan Park, after staging two successful World Cup events, the UK has won the rights to host the 2011 world competition.

Research Partners: The survey questions were asked via a personal interview on-site at Morgan Park. SQIT Warwick TAFE business studies unit provided a pool of interviewers who received training by Cozzi Marketing & PR. The interviewers randomly selected potential respondents and approached them to ask for their help and cooperation. Just over 900 responses were recorded and then electronically input by the staff at the Warwick Shire Council. Analysis was undertaken by Diana Beal, B Econ, B Com, M Phil, PhD. Retired Associated Professor in Finance, formerly at University of Southern Queensland.