Review into rally's economic cost

Kyogle’s Main Street was converted into a World Rally Championship service centre during a stage of the event, held in the Kyogle and Tweed shires in September.

Poll

What report on the Repco Rally is more important?

This poll ended on 31 March 2010.

Economic

33%

Environmental

16%

Community support

44%

Other

5%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

STATE Development Minister Ian Macdonald says a review of Repco Rally Australia, including an economic analysis, is being conducted after Greens MLC Ian Cohen raised the issue in the Parliament.

Mr Cohen questioned Mr Macdonald in the Legislative Council last Friday over a view being conducted by Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), which he said lacked an economic cost benefit analysis.

“Whilst an economic analysis is important, the real concern about the rally is the impact it has had on the environment and the community and the likely negative impact any future rallies will have,” Mr Cohen said.

“I asked the Minister in question time why IMC was not doing an economic analysis and how they could possibly recommend the continuation of the rally to the Minister if such an analysis has not been done.”

At the end of question time on Friday, Mr Macdonald said a review of all aspects of the rally was under way.

“A review is being conducted and will cover all aspects of the rally, including an economic analysis,” he said.

“I am advised that pursuant to legislation the rev-iew must be completed within 12 months, so we have plenty of time to complete it.”

IMC was contracted by the Homebush Motor Racing Authority to conduct thereview.

IMC managing director Mike Cahill yesterday said economic analysis was not part of his briefing.

“Our goal was always to go out and get submissions from people who either app-roved or disapproved of the rally,” he said.

“However, at least two of those submissions are economic analyses which have been independently rese-arched and verified. These will be factored into the final report.”

Repco Rally Australia was held in the Tweed and Kyogle shires between September 3 and 6 last year.

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