Repco Rally to be reviewed

Repco Rally will return to Tweed next year.

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 Parliament.

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

“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.

“A proper analysis is the only way to determine if the event was financially viable.”

At the end of question time on Friday, Mr Macdonald said a review on 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,” Mr Macdonald said.

“I am advised that pursuant to legislation the review 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 pen the review.

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 approved or disapproved of the rally,” Mr Cahill said.

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

In January, Mr Cahill said the review was to cover tourism, the environment, Aboriginal cultural heritage, public safety and local communities.

Public meetings were held in the region to discuss the review last month.

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