NSW Greens MLC Ian Cohen is hailing the end of the Repco Rally in the Northern Rivers region as a significant win for the local community but remains concerned about the potential impact of the 2011 Repco Rally for Coffs Harbour communities.
"The change in location to Coffs Harbour is a win for the Northern Rivers community who have fought so hard against this environmentally and financially irresponsible event," said Mr Cohen.
"Holding an international motor sport in one of Australia's most biodiverse and iconic natural areas - the Green Cauldron - demonstrates the frightening lack of vision in Events NSW."
"However, simply moving the event is not a win for the wider community as the Coffs Harbour area may face similar issues to those experienced in the Northern Rivers region. The organisers and the NSW Government need to open the books on the event and commission an independent examination of the submissions made to the IMC Review."
"Moving the Repco Rally to Coffs Harbour also does not address the lingering concerns about the economic costs and benefits of this event. Recently I called on the Government to release all papers relating to direct Government expenditure and economic assessments, but instead of providing all relevant information they claimed commercial in confidence over a large proportion of papers."
"I think there is a real fear that the income generation figures touted by the Treasurer Eric Roozendaal are grossly inflated and inaccurate. There remain questions as to why any local area would accommodate this type of event."
"I again call on the Government to release detailed costing on how much they have spent on this event and what the real profits will be so that the people of Coffs Harbour can make an informed decision about whether they want the Repco Rally in their backyard," said Mr Cohen.
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