Media response - Santos Tour Down Under
Published on 27 January 2026
Enquiry – Fleurieu Sun
Just after a comment from council about the financial benefits the TDU brings to the district.
Questions:
- How much did the council invest into hosting Tour Down Under stages for the 2026 race?
- What is the estimated financial impact of tourism and television for the district as a result of the race?
Response
It’s too early to determine our exact costs and the economic impact of this year’s event, with our stages only finishing on Saturday and the overall race concluding on Sunday.
However, we know from our long history with the Santos Tour Down Under that the race further enhances tourism and economic benefits for Onkaparinga, boosting local businesses and showcasing our stunning region to the world via national and international media coverage.
Last year’s full event was enjoyed by 807,900 fans, generating $62.5 million value added to the state’s economy.
We invested about $205,000 in last year’s event covering hosting fees, traffic management during each race, pre- and post-race road preparation, grass cutting, tree trimming, street sweeping, township activations, participation in the Best Dressed Town competition, marketing, signage, and resident notifications.
ENDS