Retail stores across the city will play an important role in creating a rally atmosphere for visitors during next month’s Coates Hire Rally Australia on the Coffs Coast.
The Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the CBD Masterplan Committee and Rally Australia, has distributed rally kits to local businesses that will lead to retailers dressing up their shop fronts from Monday.
“This is about businesses getting together and working to show one face that we endorse and approve a round of the World Rally Championship in Coffs Harbour,” George Cecato from the chamber of commerce said.
“The event gives the Coffs Coast great exposure, increasing the likelihood of international visitors discovering our region.
“It’s important to send a message to the rally’s powers at be that Coffs Harbour is right behind Rally Australia.”
Rally Australia holds a place on next year’s World Rally Championship calendar but this year will bid for hosting rights to a WRC round in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
“Coffs Harbour really has an opportunity here to get the community and businesses involved in a year that is special to us as we have got a three-year contract negotiation happening,” Rally Australia event manager David Catchpole said.
“The launch of the shop bags is the start of dressing up not only the Coffs Harbour CBD but the entire city.
“We really want to build something similar to what they do in Bathurst with the V8s like they do with the Clipsal 500 and the Tour Down Under cycling.
“Hopefully what the world body will see in Coffs Harbour in terms of community support for the event will put us on the front foot and help us secure that contract for another three years.
“We all know what the economic benefits are – over $13 million net to the economy during the event – and to certainly secure it for another three years in addition to next year will certainly be a big win.”