Dear Michael and members of the No Rally Group Inc Thank you for your correspondence regarding Repco Rally Australia. We are in close consultation with the organisers and continue to work with them to ensure that economic, marketing and community benefits are maximised for the Northern Rivers region. As you would know the FIA World Rally Championship is considered the highest profile four-wheeled motor sport championship after Formula One. To ensure the event proceeds with a level of certainty along with environmental safeguards the NSW Parliament has passed legislation, the Motor Sports (World Rally Championship) Bill 2009. The legislation passed by the NSW Parliament will permit the Government to impose environmental protection measures to manage any temporary impacts of the rally on affected local areas. Over the five events to 2017, the rally is expected to create the equivalent of around 40 new permanent positions, or between 1,500 to 2,000 part-time and casual jobs, during the weeks it is held. The event is expected to generate up to 69,000 visitor nights in the Tweed-Kyogle region to the benefit of local tourism providers. Events NSW estimates it will generate over $100 million for the NSW economy between now and 2017 with particular benefits for the Northern Rivers region in terms of increased tourism, jobs and economic activity. Over 816 million people around the world watched the televised World Rally event in 2007 so this will also be a chance to showcase the spectacular Northern Rivers to the world. Rally Australia, in preparing for this World Championship Event has commissioned the most comprehensive, independent environmental and ecological review of the Northern Rivers Region ever conducted. Murwillumbah based Biolink Pty Ltd under the direction of Environmental Scientist Dr Stephen Phillips have prepared the 400 page (approx) report which clearly shows that the Rally can be conducted in harmony with the environment. The report examined all aspects of flora and fauna in the area of the special stages of the rally, and the likely impact if any, of that competition. It took more than 450 person hours to compile and involved in part, sampling every 250 metre along the competition route. The research shows there is no significant increase in risk to endangered species. NSW Government is committed to a review of the impact of the rally and will be consulting with local communities after the first event to ensure that the rally has minimum impacts on residents and the environment and maximise benefits for the regional economy. If you would like to discuss the matter further please contact me on 02 8114 2405. Yours sincerely Kate Pembroke Head of Corporate Affairs e. kate.pembroke@eventsnsw.com.au |
|
|
|
Whats On / Whats New >
Reply from Events NSW on behalf of Minister Costa ... and Minister Perry ... and Minister ... (yes folks - they are all the same and the same old bull sh*t!)posted 30 Jun 2009 01:50 by No Rally [ updated 30 Jun 2009 01:54 ] |