Rally Tasmania is an event with a long and proud history of 28 years and is considered one of the more popular tarmac rallies on the Australian motor sport calendar.
Organisers of every rally event must follow a comprehensive and structured process in order to select and receive approval for the use of roads for rallying. CAMS is satisfied that the organisers of Rally Tasmania have complied with these processes via the local civil authorities and the sport to utilise this road.
CAMS CEO Graham Fountain noted that public roads are often closed for many community activities other than motor sport. “This includes festivals, cycling, marathons and other community events. In this respect, the closure of a road for a rally is no different," he said.
"Rallying has been in existence for almost as long as the motor car and is a recognised activity which many thousands of Australians enjoy. Roads are a public asset which should be available for a variety of public activities."
“Importantly, the sport of rallying brings significant economic benefits to the regions in which the events are held. There will be 63 cars competing in Rally Tasmania which involves not only the driver and co-driver, but also their support crews and many volunteer officials who travel from other regions of the state and the country to attend. This results in expenditure on accommodation, food and other entertainment whilst they are in Tasmania, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the local economy.”
"It would be most unfair to the organisers, participants and spectators of the event if access to this area was withdrawn, particularly at such short notice," Fountain added.
"CAMS and the event organisers appreciate the patience of residents who may be inconvenienced during the running of the event and will endeavour to work with residents to minimise any difficulties they might experience."
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