RALLY AUSTRALIA WELCOMES GOVERNMENT MOVE TO ENSURE EVENT

MEDIA RELEASE – 29 May 2009

RALLY AUSTRALIA WELCOMES GOVERNMENT MOVE TO ENSURE EVENT

THE organisers of Repco Rally Australia have welcomed the New South Wales Government’s intention to introduce special events legislation which would give certainty to the 3-6 September event.

Rally Australia Organising Committee Chairman Garry Connelly said the legislation would now facilitate the event’s continuing marketing and promotional strategies, including the launch of ticket sales in the near future.

The rally in the New South Wales Northern Rivers Tweed and Kyogle Shires, will be round 10 of the 2009 World Rally Championship.

“The World Rally Championship will bring substantial economic benefits to the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, as the Minster for State Development Ian Macdonald pointed out in a media statement today,” he said.

“With less than 100 days remaining until the event, we are therefore pleased the Government has taken the initiative to introduce legislation in order to give certainty to the rally.

"We now hope to be able to start the all-important marketing of Repco Rally Australia, including the launch of ticket sales in the near future.”

Mr Connelly emphasised the rally remained committed to continuing consultation with the local community and Kyogle and Tweed councils to ensure the best outcome for the region.

Community consultation activities would include “open house” information sessions at Kingscliff, Murwillumbah and Kyogle in the next few weeks and increased visits to residents along the rally route.

“The organisers will proceed with the next round of community consultations, involving ‘open house’ sessions in Kyogle, Murwillumbah and Kingscliff where residents may inspect various reports and plans for the event, ask questions and make comments. Details of the dates and venues will be announced soon.

“The resident visitation program will continue with increased activity over the next month. Officials will visit, or revisit, every home along the competition stages of the rally.”

Planning for road closures would still be progressed with Tweed and Kyogle Shire Councils and all documentation that would have accompanied any formal applications would still be submitted, he added.

Mr Connelly said the world controlling body for motor sport, the Paris-based FIA, was understood to have been concerned with media reports about the event and sought assurance from the Government that it would proceed.

“The WRC is a major international event and for events of this stature the FIA’s request and Government’s response are quite appropriate,” he said.

ENDS