Scouts set to invade

JAY FIELDING

A MAJOR coup for Maryborough has been secured with Scouts Australia set to announce its major event will be returning to the Heritage City for the second time in 12 years.

Maryborough will be the location of the 2025 Australian Scout Jamboree.

The city’s population will almost double during the event, which is held every three years.

During the 2013 Jamboree in Maryborough, more than 11,500 Scouts, 2000 leaders and 10,000 guests attended.

Similar numbers can be expected in 2025.

Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said he was excited to learn Maryborough had been chosen to host the event.

“I can remember fondly the last one in 2013 and seeing the huge numbers of tourists and students in scout uniforms walking around Maryborough and seeing how great it was for local businesses,” Cr Truscott said.

“They must have enjoyed Maryborough in 2013 to want to come back again,” he said.

“Out of all the destinations in Australia they could pick, to come back is a great vote of confidence in Maryborough.”

Cr Truscott said Maryborough had many new attractions for the Scouts to see since 2013, including the Gallipoli to Armistice War Memorial, the Cistern Chapel and the Mary Poppins Story Bank.

The event will also be able to use the new main hall, currently under construction, at the Maryborough Showgrounds, where the Jamboree will be based.

Cr Truscott said he also expected there to be opportunities for local businesses to provide goods and services for the massive influx of visitors.

“It’s massive numbers coming into town for an event,” he said.

“Local cafes will certainly get a good boost out of it.”

Jamborees generate millions of dollars in economic activity for host cities.

During the 12-day 2013 Jamboree, 150 buses packed with Scouts headed out each day for activities across the region. Overnight activities were also held for the first time.

The showgrounds were transformed for the event, with a shopping mall, radio station, newspaper, hospital, fire station and a police and security centre operating.

More than 80 tons of food, most sourced locally, was required for catering.