Mr THOMAS GEORGE (Lismore) [12.08 p.m.]: I refer to three events held in the Tweed and Kyogle shires last weekend: the Repco Rally, the Speed on Tweed and the Tyalgum Music Festival. The weeks leading up to these events involved great anticipation, protests and court challenges. The protestors said that the weekend would disrupt the community, the environment and the world. I can advise the House that the protestors were the only ones who caused any disruption during this fantastic weekend. They created division within the community. I refer to various newspaper headlines and articles: "Please Explain"—calling on Tweed shire councillor Milne to explain, "Katie in the firing line", an editorial praising the rally efforts, "Let the majority be the decider of rally success", "Rally campers fill park", an editorial reminding councillors to look after the community, "All in all, a great success—police", "Protestors bring shame to us as a 'fair play' nation", "Race 'will return' to the Northern Rivers", "Expend energy for a good cause", "Congratulations Murwillumbah", "'Nuisance' protestors provoke road breach", "Now the dust has settled", "Environmental credentials defended", "Rally 'hoon' pays a high price", and "Getting perspectives right". The list goes on.

I place on record my congratulations and appreciation to the communities of Kyogle and Tweed shires. The majority of the rally was held in the electorate of Lismore and the remainder in the electorate of Tweed. The communities of both shires worked very hard to showcase their areas to the world. A very small minority was determined to create a different impression around the world. I congratulate the people involved in Speed on Tweed. It was thought that last year's rally would be the final Speed on Tweed. But Repco Rally Australia got behind the event and Speed on Tweed was held successfully this year. It will continue to be held annually, with the Repco Rally being held every two years.

The people at the rally show in Murwillumbah and the service zone in Kyogle indicated how much they enjoyed the event. The size of the crowds has never been seen before in Kyogle. We thought there would be 20,000 to 30,000 visitors to the area, but there ended up being about 70,000 visitors. This is an indication that not only the community but also others accepted the event and were proud that it was being held on the east coast of Australia.

I compliment the New South Wales police and the two shire councils on their wonderful contribution in making the rally a safe, successful and wonderful event. I also congratulate and thank the 1,200 officials who came from all parts of Australia to be part of the rally over the four days. They were part of Speed on Tweed and the Confederation of Australian Motor Sports. They voluntarily committed their time at their own expense over the long hard days. The local and international media were tremendous. I congratulate Chairman of the Rally Australia Board Alan Evans, Chairman of the organising committee Garry Connelly, and the chief executive officer Gary Upson. They provided a real showcase of the Northern Rivers, of which we are all very proud. People will have the opportunity to submit their compliments or concerns to the review committee, which will operate over the next few months. I am sure when that committee is underway it will be advertised.