Air race bid flies

Andrew Mathieson
STATE Government will hold talks “soon” with international air racing organisers as part of a push to bring the Red Bull race series to Geelong next year.
But the iconic air race that was wowed worldwide audiences cancelled its 2011 season last year amid safety concerns.
Red Bull Air Race officials have blamed the hiatus on an “opportunity to fast track the technological advancements currently in the making, which would further improve the already high levels of safety”.
The Government has remained tight-lipped over when a decision could be made to award Geelong a race over previous hosts Perth.
But Premier Ted Ballieu’s senior spokesperson, Simon Troeth, said Geelong was ideally suited to fulfilling the requirements to host the air race series.
“Geelong is the preferred location for the race,” he said.
“The event has traditionally taken place over water and holding the event over Corio Bay would keep with this aspect of the event.”
Considerations in the site selection process also include separation from other aviation activity, civilian safety and approval of Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), he said.
Mr Troeth said final rights’ fees would be “substantial”, but would depend in part on the review by event organisers.
The West Australian government had spent $2.2 million on Perth hosting the 2010 event over the Swan River in April last year.
Western Australia is considering re-bidding for the event.
Australia’s only Red Bull pilot Matt Hall remained optimistic the event would be relaunched next year or at least 2013.
“I am hoping the air race will return in the coming years,” he told the Independent.
“The following was growing rapidly and peaked this year so I don’t see why it won’t come back.
“My team and I are preparing as though it will.”
“I would welcome a return to Perth or a new venue like Geelong.”