These athletes, together with major regattas and other rowing and canoeing events conducted at the two facilities, increased the output of the Penrith economy by $37 million dollars in 2011-2012, and created 177 jobs, according to a council report.
The Penrith Whitewater Stadium attracts a steady stream of international athletes for canoe slalom training because of the limited supply of Olympic-standard facilities around the world in the southern hemisphere summer.
“Australia is a long haul destination for most of these athletes so they tend to stay for an extended period, increasing the value of their visitation to the Penrith economy,” the report said.
“Rowing and canoe sprint are much bigger sports than canoe slalom and Penrith is recognised as having the finest rowing courses in Australia, both at the International Regatta Centre and on the Nepean River.”
The report said canoe slalom was a niche sport, and with a limited supply of facilities worldwide, the Penrith Whitewater Stadium was an attractive location for a steady stream of international athletes.
Penrith Whitewater Stadium was particularly busy with international training during January and February.
The International Regatta Centre hosts 4482 mostly domestic athletes for training in rowing and canoe sprint. Attendance figures for competitors and visitors to the two venues totalled 59,500 for the year.
This does not include the various other events involving sports other than rowing and canoeing or cultural events which are also hosted at these venues throughout the year.
