Rally Australia Yet to Set 2009 Route

The 10th round of this year's World Rally Championship is yet in doubt, as Rally Australia organizers are yet to make official the route for the 2009 event. The reason for them being late on setting a clear path for the WRC caravan seems to be linked to a potential threat to the local environment.

According to several reports in Australian media throughout the past few months, the New South Wales Government decided to overlook the organization of Rally Australia this year, urging the promoters of the event to make sure it won't affect the environment. In addition, several clauses were introduced by the NSW officials in order to secure the event this year.

“With less than 100 days remaining until the event, we are pleased the Government has taken the initiative to introduce legislation in order to give certainty to the rally. We now hope to be able to start the all-important marketing of Repco Rally Australia, including the launch of ticket sales in the near future,” announced Rally Australia Organising Committee Chairman Garry Connelly.

Connelly also revealed that residents in the areas that will be used to host the WRC stages will be consulted prior to setting the route, in order to make sure there won't be any objections to this year's event.

“The organisers will proceed with the next round of community consultations, where residents may inspect various reports and plans for the event, ask questions and make comments. The resident visitation program will continue with increased activity over the next month,” added the Aussie official.

Rally Australia is scheduled to get under way on September 3rd, being the last non-European round of the 2009 calendar.