NSW to host Rally Australia in '09

The rally, which will take place on 3-6 September 2009, will be held in the Tweed and Kyogle shires every second year until at least the 2017 season, the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport said.

"The World Rally Championship will generate more than $100 million of direct economic benefit for New South Wales over the life of the agreement," said Geoff Parmenter - CEO Events NSW.

"Hosting the World Rally Championship - the highest profile four wheeled motor sport championship after Formula One - on a regular basis in Regional New South Wales will drive tourism, create jobs and deliver major economic benefits to the community.

CAMS President Colin Osborne added: "CAMS is thrilled that this most prestigious event will be conducted in one of the most spectacular regions of New South Wales.

"The Australian leg of the FIA World Rally Championship will witness up to 2,000 volunteer officials operating in the field and at the Rally Headquarters to ensure that the event is conducted safely and successfully.

"Many of those volunteers will be sourced from the local regional community and the specialist training which will be provided by CAMS will mean that the enormous economic benefit which will flow from the event will be compounded by enhanced community capital."

The World Rally Championship will return to Australia next year for the firt time since 2006.