KOALAS and other wildlife should not be affected by the REPCO rally provided the event is managed says a new report

THERE are no environmental reasons the Repco Rally should not go ahead, according to an independent ecological report commissioned by rally organisers.

But rally opponents argue no rally is better for the environment and cars tearing down normally quiet country roads will wreak havoc on wildlife.

The report was prepared by Dr Stephen Phillips, a scientist from Biolink, based in Murwillumbah.

“We are delighted with the conclusions of the report, which clearly indicate that this rally can be conducted in a manner that is in harmony with the ecological values of the area,” Rally Australia organising committee chairman Garry Connelly said.

However, Dr Phillips recommended rally organisers implement a Koala Plan of Management, plus other measures to eliminate or minimise impact on flora and fauna.

“The organisers have willingly embraced and agreed to implement all our recommendations,” Dr Phillips said. “I can see no reason, on ecological grounds, why this event should not proceed.”

However Peter Rayon, from the Hanging Rock Action Group, said wild- life would still suffer and there were other ways to bring in tourism dollars.

“Dust, fumes and probable litter from tourists, will have a devastating effect on our wildlife,” he said. “Ecotourism is a better way to bring $20 million into the area.”

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