As much as I love the international flavour of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, I find it hard to justify spending $500,000 over the next four years, of ratepayers’ money, and attract more than a $1 million from EventsCorp, when it generates so little in real terms of return for the City.

It seems to me that there is a boredom or neglect of local events. I question why is there not more effort, enthusiasm, passion and excitement being shown by the City of Greater Geraldton for the Sunshine Festival which used to attract more than 10,000 people a year.

Yes 10,000, not 300 like the Clipper.

According to the briefi ng notes from the council meeting last night (see related story on this page) the Clipper also only attracted some $340,000 in revenue and a few hundred visitors.

Granted, the Sunshine Festival is still criticised for being way too long (one of the longest in Australia) and probably should be held as an intensive three-day event, but it still deserves greater support — because it involves local people, local businesses and attracts visitors from WA, a more realistic catchment.