Failure of Repco Organisers to Keep Residents Informed
Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes: I ask the Minister for State Development a question without notice. Is the Minister aware that the Repco world rally championship organisers agreed to keep all Kyogle and Tweed Shire residents who would be affected by the rally, which is taking place this week and over the weekend, fully informed well ahead of time of any access prohibitions and conditions affecting their homes and properties? If so, can the Minister explain why residents were frantically sending emails to my parliamentary office, as well as offices of other members, as late as last week seeking urgent information as to whether they would be able to access their properties this weekend and could plan on being able to celebrate Father’s Day with their families in their homes? Will the Minister explain whether failure to communicate vital information to residents will be acknowledged and examined under the undisclosed terms of reference for the review that will be undertaken to evaluate the impact of this year’s world championship rally?
The Hon. Ian Macdonald: The review will be conducted within the framework discussed during debate in this Chamber in June this year. In relation to access restrictions, in some areas at certain times access will be restricted to allow the conduct of the rally. Access restrictions will apply for a period of about four hours in the relevant sectors, which is usual practice during rallies. Every day people will have a considerable period of access to these authorised sectors. Rallies have been conducted in this region every year. The Speed on Tweed rally, which has been held since 2002, is a popular event in the region. I understand that the access restrictions have been part of the consultation. People have been informed throughout the process about the route of the rally and considerable information has been provided on the website for residents. Anyone who objects to the access restrictions will be able to make submissions during the review process.