Street rally for Mooloolaba sidelined
Thu 04 May 2006
Jonathan Williams, Journalism
Rally Queensland, normally a sporting and social fixture in Caloundra Shire, has moved north and will now be based at Twin Waters.
While the move to Maroochy Shire has upset some, officials see the benefits far outweighing the negatives, saying it will lift the event to a new level.
But unfortunately misunderstandings and fear it will encourage hoons means there will be no special stage in Mooloolaba, which will ultimately deny the region of massive media exposure.
"There'll be no time trial, it's just impossible for them to undertake the time trial now. Even if we said yes they can't do it this year," Maroochy Shire Council Mayor Joe Natoli said.
Mr Natoli said he was "personally supportive of the event", also saying bringing these "kinds of events to the people is really important".
Last year’s special stage was a huge success on the streets of Caloundra, both for crowds and drivers alike.
"I'm gonna have a talk to Joe later on and see what we can do about having a stage along the coastline here. Last year was great, I think it was really different from most other events and the crowd seemed to love it," competitor Simon Evans said.
"It was fantastic, it really brought rallying to the people," fellow driver Glen Weston said.
With the event now taking up residence in Twin Waters, organisers have a big job on their hands to match the success of last year’s rally.
“It's my favorite event, has been for a long time. Mainly because the forest up there [Imbil] is very narrow, very challenging and very fast," Weston said.
But an alledged over-abundance of hoons was not the only reason for council’s decision not to race through the Esplanade. They were also concerned for the safety of the spectators. It appears to be a wise decision considering the severe injuries three spectators received when a car left the track during the recent Targa Tasmania Rally.
While disappointed, event organiser Errol Bailey and his team are more than happy to comply with council.
"We want to participate in the council's safe drive program because we understand there are some problems in this area."
While the event will based at Twin Waters, there will still be plenty of opportunities for drivers to burn rubber.
There will be a special 20 minute period when the rally cars will drive around the Esplanade, but the closest the racing will get is the Imbil State Forest.
Still organisers hope it is the start of a big future for Rally Queensland's new home.
"Next year will be the big event - that's what we're looking forward to. This year will be very good but next year will be better," Bailey said.
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