No Rally Group hits back at report

Rally looks set to head to Coffs region in 2011.

THE Tweed-based No Rally Group has hit back at claims by the former Repco Rally Australia chief Garry Connolly that an independent report would show the event brought economic benefits of $15 to $20 million.

Group spokesman Michael McNamara said the comments were “just a re-statement of the same tired old lines” and were unsubstantiated.

“His claims regarding the economic spend and benefit are a myth,” Mr McNamara said.

“Ask the businesses that participated in the post-rally Tweed Monitor survey,” he said, adding that one cafe had told others they lost $40,000 on the rally weekend.

Mr McNamara said the community-based Tyalgum classical music festival also experienced a significant downturn in attendance, directly attributable to the rally.

He also criticised Mr Connolly’s claims regarding TV coverage saying the broadcasts showed “race cars on the rally routes, not the area”.