Socio-Economic Impact Report Q&A

Q: What is the predicted economic impact the region can expect from the rally?
A: $31.89 million.

Q: How is that calculated and what does it include?
A: It includes money spent only by people coming from OUTSIDE New South Wales. We used attendance figures from when the event was located in Perth and adjusted them to take into account the proximity of the event to South-east Queensland and New Zealand. We used previous independently-sourced statistics about the amount of money spent by attendees (spectators, teams, media and corporate guests) at events such as this. These benefits are expected to exceed those of the Perth WRC, due to the locational advantage of the Tweed-Kyogle region.

Q: How will it benefit employment and tourism?
A: Job opportunities are equivalent to 30 to 40 permanent positions, or between 1500 and 2000 part-time and casual jobs during the event week. Up to 69,000 visitor nights are forecast in the Tweed-Kyogle region.

Q: What are the social impacts of the event?
A: The report notes a number of issues that will impact on the public. Some members of the community have concerns about the event and these are summarised in the report. However on balance, we have no hesitation in concluding that the event will have generally very positive impacts on the local region.

Q: What are some of the issues of concern to members of the community and how are they addressed?
A: We noted that concerns typically had been based around the environment, noise and dust. The organisers have commissioned independent reports on each of these and other issues and these are currently being released in full to the public.

Q: What are some of the social benefits of the event?
A: Predicted social benefits include the opportunity for community cohesion through the recruitment and training of local people as officials and volunteers, implementation of school and youth programs and the opportunity for local groups to conduct fund-raising activities.

Q: What groups did you target for the community consultation?
A: A community cross-section of 12 groups representing business, progress and residents, environment and consultation was approached; seven were available or willing to provide comment.