2022
Incorporating
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Phone: (03) 5775 2115
$2.00 (inc.GST)
www.mansfieldcourier.com.au
SKY HIGH MT Buller turned on bluebird conditions and sunshine for the Cattleman’s Cup last week. The top snowboarders from across the country made the pilgrimage to wow the crowds and do battle for the big cheque. Full story in sport.
Pages 2-3
POTHOLE SAGA CONTINUES
Pages 14-18
SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION
Goodbye to TARGA AFTER 13 highly successful years TARGA High Country will not return to Mansfield following the final event held under the current agreement, which ran in February earlier this year. The event has had its fair share of troubles over the past few years, with COVID postponements and restrictions in the way the event could be run. Following multiple tragedies at TARGA Tasmania, a Motorsport Australia safety review of the sport led to a reduced High Country event earlier this year, with the removal of the highly successful and unique to Mansfield Street Stage. TARGA CEO Mark Perry
BY SAMUEL O’BRIEN sobrien@ nemedia.com.au
expressed great sadness at the changes required to the February 2023 event, which saw a reduced benefit for the Mansfield community. “TARGA High Country and Mansfield have worked hand-in-hand alongside Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Resort Management since first meeting in 2009 to deliver an international motorsport event in the region, including an iconic and unique street stage in the heart of Mansfield,” he said. “We have made lifelong friends along the way but the reality of the post-safety
review requirements, combined with increasing costs, means running the Mansfield Street Stage is no longer possible.” “We also understand Council’s concerns around the street stage. “The discussion between us was an easy and positive one with agreement that this stage would not be run in the February 2023 event, which was the final event under the current agreement. “We sincerely thank the Mansfield Shire Council for their loyal support of TARGA for over a decade.” Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr James Tehan said the past 10 years of TARGA have been fantastic.
“For the past decade Mansfield Shire has worked with TARGA to deliver this event for the benefit of our local businesses and community,” he said. “Mansfield Shire very much appreciates all the work done by TARGA.” Concerns were raised earlier this year about the viability of event after the way the Mansfied leg was run meant that the benefits to the town were being diluted. Local motorsport doyen Brian Dermott said in January this year, “I’m concerned that the economic impact will be greatly reduced; with no recceing, fewer nights and minimal spending
FLOOR STOCK
CLEARANCE
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR SALE
years with two fatalities in 1996 and 2012, there were suddenly four in 2021 and the first day of 2022. “Motorsport Australia cancelled all tarmac rallies until various reports were completed forcing Targa to downgrade the High Country event. “Targa ran safely for many years but as soon as the requirements for a licence and medical and the type of cars accepted were relaxed by CAMS (Motorsport Australia, formerly the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport), becoming simple on line questionnaires and declarations, there were crashes. ■ Continued page 3
% 50OFF
Highett Street, Mansfield 70-80 Nunn Street, Benalla
dispersal, there will be a big hole in many businesses February turnover. “We say either go back to the format of 2014, or let the Australian Tarmac Rally organisation, sanctioned by Winton–based AASA (Australian Auto–sport Alliance) which runs three very successful tarmac rallies in Victoria, take it over.” He pointed to other incidents at other TARGArun events which were inhibiting the competition in Mansfield. “Unfortunately Targa High Country has been caught up in the debacle of Targa Tasmania,” said Mr Dermott. “After running for 28
SAVE UP TO
Ph 5775 2688 Ph 5762 2011
Open Mon – Fri 9am - 5pm Open Sat – 9am - 12.30pm