The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has announced that an elected Nationals and Liberals Government will fund a Lake Tyrrell Motorsport and Heritage Coexistence Study to help find a pathway for the return of the Sea Lake Mallee Rally.
The study will include heritage mapping, the design of preferred routes, assessment of potential environmental impacts and development of a co-management framework. It aims to identify a way to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage while allowing the rally to return to its traditional route around Lake Tyrrell, known as Direl.
“This study is an important step towards bringing the Mallee Rally back to Sea Lake. The study will help work through the heritage and environmental considerations and give the organisers a better chance of getting this event back on the calendar,” Ms Benham said.
The Mallee Rally ran from 1974 and was regarded as Australia’s oldest off-road race before it was effectively stopped in 2019 following concerns about potential impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage sites. The event attracted competitors and spectators from across Australia and was a major drawcard for Sea Lake businesses and the wider community.
Since being elected, Ms Benham has called for action and a final Conservation Management Plan to clarify what is required for the rally to return. She said the Carroll Labor Government had refused to work constructively with the organisers and community to find a solution.
“The rally brought visitors from across Australia and delivered a major boost for local businesses. Sea Lake deserves to have that opportunity back, and the community deserves a government willing to work with them to find a way forward while respecting the area’s cultural heritage,” Ms Benham said.
Ms Benham said The Nationals recognised the value of events like the Mallee Rally to regional communities and would work to give the event a future in Sea Lake.
“Events like the Mallee Rally bring people to our region, support local businesses and showcase everything the Mallee has to offer.
“Only The Nationals in government will fight to support the events, businesses and industries that keep our regional towns going,” Ms Benham said.
