To: NSW Premier
The undersigned petition you:
1. That the proposed World Rally Championship event poses a significant threat to the natural environment of both the Tweed and Kyogle Shires and that this natural wonderland should not be used as a race track by Repco Rally Australia, for the following reasons:-
THREAT TO ECO-TOURISM REPUTATION - negating ‘Green Caldron’ world-wide promotion.
LITTLE IF ANY DOCUMENTED ECONOMIC BENEFIT – socio-economic study discredited on the basis of the inadequate consultative process, unsubstantiated estimates, excessive reliance on opinions and assurances of rally organisers.
RISK OF INJURY & DEATH TO DRIVERS, SPECTATORS AND NATIVE ANIMALS due to motor racing on unsealed RURAL ROADS & in NATIONAL PARKS.
LAWS AND PROCEDURES SUBVERTED – numerous state laws are overridden by the special legislation to support the rally.
INCONVENIENCE to RESIDENTS - disruption of local traffic plus unacceptable levels of noise, dust and fumes.
FIRE RISK in our DRIEST MONTH - disruption to breeding cycles of rare and endangered wildlife species. Stress myopathy deaths.
ENCOURAGING YOUTH TO SPEED ON COUNTRY ROADS - more accidents and loss of life are likely all year round.
LACK OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION – Local residents have NEVER been appropriately and adequately consulted about the rally being run in their area.
CORRUPTION OF PUBLIC AND POLITICAL PROCESSES - Rally imposed on this area. EVENTS NSW has paid an UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT of TAXPAYER FUNDS to Repco Rally Australia (RRA) as a result of secret deals between RRA and Events NSW.
2. To withdraw NSW state government support for Repco Rally Australia (RRA) and rescind the Motor Sports (World Rally Championships) Bill 2009 on the basis of:
INAPPROPRIATE NATURE OF THIS EVENT FOR THE TWEED AND KYOGLE AREAS - on environmental, social and economic grounds.
MISREPRESENTATION by Repco Rally Australia of benefits to the community.
INADEQUACY OF SUPPORTING REPORTS AND ASSESSMENTS commissioned by RRA.
LACK OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION – no effective consultation with local communities about desirability or support.
INAPPROPRIATENESS OF OVERRIDING NUMEROUS STATE LAWS – including the Environmental Protection and Assessment Act, the Local Government Act, Water Management Act, Fisheries Act and other laws that provide protection to the environment and the community.
Sincerely,