Rally Australia organisers are hopeful of pushing ahead with the event, though with a heavily revised timetable which will see the event cut down to just 90 kilometres, less than a third of the original distance of 323 km.
This is because bushfires have been raging up and down the east coast of New South Wales, hitting the Coffs Habour area where the rally takes place.
The route change, which is subject to FIA approval, will see multiple runs over four different stages, starting with a lengthened version of the existing Destination NSW Super Special Stage on Thursday evening on the Coffs Harbour Jetty foreshore, and end there on Sunday afternoon with the globally-televised Wolf Power Stage and podium presentation.
Other stages being assessed for inclusion are Raleigh, a spectator-friendly tarmac circuit, and a gravel section of Graces Road in the Nambucca Shire. If the event proceeds, spectator facilities will be provided at the Super Special Stage and Raleigh only.
Event Chief Executive Officer Darryl Ferris said the proposed revisions would preserve key attractions of the original program for fans, such as the free Rally Show and Ceremonial Start on Thursday afternoon, Friday and Saturday’s Super Special Stages, Saturday night’s Dragon concert, and the free Pedders Rally Central competitors’ service park.
Organisers are also working to deliver 3.5 hours of live television coverage across Saturday and Sunday.
“With the support of the emergency services and other authorities, our sporting officials have done a remarkable job to quickly put together a plan that we hope will still deliver a valuable international sports event to the Coffs Coast region if conditions allow,” Ferris said.
“We continue to stay in close and constant contact with the Rural Fire Service and authorities about the changing nature of the NSW bushfire emergency and we are ready to react if necessary.”
Further details of the event itinerary will be confirmed in due course, and in consultation with NSW emergency services, authorities and the local community.
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