Minister ridicules bid for ‘air race’ over bay

Andrew Mathieson
A STATE Government minister has ridiculed Geelong’s chance of hosting a famous international air race, instead raising hopes for Australia’s audacious 2022 World Cup bid.
Sport Minister James Merlino poured cold water on the state coalition’s bid for a Red Bull Air Race in Geelong.
“After ringing every last dollar they could out of the air race estimates, the proponents (the Liberals) put its figure at $20 million – a dubious conclusion to say the least, even more so given the Red Bull Air Race would cost considerably more yet make considerably less than, say, a Tiger Woods’ visit to Victoria,” Mr Merlino told parliament.
“Which event would get more international exposure, economic investment, tourist visitation and fan support? It’s not rocket science.”
The Red Bull Air Race series runs over some of the world’s best-known cities’ waterways, including Perth’s Swan River. The events attract thousands of onlookers and an international television audience.
Pilots navigate twists and turns against the clock through a sky-high obstacle course consisting of several “air gates”.
The Opposition rolled out its plan late last year to bid for one of the 18 races to enhance Geelong’s aviation reputation.
The Opposition argued the event over Corio Bay would provide a $20 million annual windfall for the region compared to staging costs of about $4 million.
The Government boasted Geelong would reap $928 million in economic activity from hosting World Cup matches, including more than 500 new jobs as part of a $320-million upgrade of Skilled Stadium.
Mr Merlino said the “alternative” opposition plan had “gone absolutely nowhere”.
But Liberal leader Ted Ballieu’s senior spokesperson, Simon Troeth, told the Independent the Opposition was committed to bringing the air race to Geelong if the coalition won this year’s state election.
“We think it will be a very exciting opportunity for Geelong,” he said.
“It will create jobs and be another great major event move to Victoria.”
Mr Troeth said the Opposition had been in talks with Red Bull Air Race organisers about securing the event to run over Corio Bay.
Mr Merlino’s attack on the bid in parliament was “very unfortunate”, Mr Troeth said.
“It showed Labor is more interested in playing politics than promoting major events in Victoria.
“This isn’t one or the other because the opposition is supportive of bringing other major events like the World Cup to Geelong as well.”