As a result of secret back room deals it was announced in September 2008 by Events NSW (an arm of the New South Wales government) that Repco Rally Australia would run the Australian leg of the World Rally Championships in the Tweed Valley and Kyogle areas in 2009 and every second year to 2017 (with the option of a 10 year extension). No Rally Group Inc. was formed by local residents in an effort to fight the proposed rally and protect the Tweed Valley from inappropriate development. We are working closely with residents of Kyogle to stop the rally. This area is recognised as the green heart of NSW and Australia. It has the greatest biodiversity of any area in Australia. It is promoted to tourists as an environmentally sensitive "green" place. People live here because of those features. The Federal Government recently included the Tweed in the National Landscapes Program along with Kakadu, Uluru and other national iconic landscapes. The proposed car rally is inconsistent with these moves to develop a thriving eco-tourism industry which will provide long-term sustainable growth and real employment. If the car rally gets the green light it means: • native animals will be at risk (interrupted breeding cycle, stress related death, hit by cars, etc)• national parks will be used for racing at speeds in excess of 160 km/hr • cars will speeding on gravel and dirt roads in the area • roads will be closed in the area - affecting resident access • dirt roads will be left as they are (means you can forget about your road being sealed for the next 20 years) because of pressure from rally organisers to keep the roads suitable for their use • dangerous driving will increase placing local people and wildlife at risk • secret back room deals will take precedence over local wishes • the long term prospects for developing a sustainable eco-tourism industry will be placed at risk. Click here to see Our protest in Murwillumbah READ MORE: Download the BACKGROUND BRIEFING sent to all Members of the NSW Parliament |
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