Route Q&A With Clerk Of Course Michelle Gatton

Q. Is the route now final?
A. It is our final preferred option but is still subject to approval by the two Councils. It satisfies our sporting requirements and showcases the best terrain elements of the region meaning that it should look fantastic to the worldwide television audience and be challenging to the World Championship Teams.

Q. Why have you waited until now to release it?
A. We had to wait until we received the initial Ecological Assessment Report. We received, that on May 4. It is very extensive and detailed and essentially approved the route itself from the point of the ecological impact,so after examining that, and our other reports, we were able to take a final decision that the route was the best possible having due regard for the environment and the sport.

Q. Is planning going ahead on the assumption that the route published on the website will be the final route?
A. Yes, because we have to release information for spectators and for corporate facilities plus the authorities such as Police, Ambulance, RTA, Fire and so on, can make their plans for the event.

Q. Have you taken into account the feedback from the Community and the reports of your expert consultants?
A. Definitely yes! That is why this has taken so much time. We have held a number of public meetings but we have also received a number of letters from interested parties who have made pertinent comments about the proposed routes. Any relevant comments have been passed on to our specialist consultants but particularly to Dr Stephen Phillips. We have also visited almost 400 homes along the route and spoken to the residents of those homes who were present at the time, or left messages for those who were not asking them to contact us. So we have had contact with the majority of people who live along the route and we understand their views.

Q. What has been the opinion of those who live along the route?
A. We have been keeping very accurate statistics on this and the vast majority are supportive of the event. Some are neutral and a small percentage are strongly opposed. We have considered all the views put to us by residents and members of the broader community and reconciled them with the views of our expert consultants.

Q. How does the route compare to other WRC events?
A. The route will be very challenging and spectacular from a sporting and television point of view. Although it is more spread out, and we have taken out some sections of road for environmental reasons, the route will be worthy of a World Championship rally.