On Wednesday, Bega Valley Shire councillors voted in the majority to give in-principle support to the iconic rally using roads including Buckajo Rd, Upper Cobargo Rd and the Snake Track near Eden.

Organisers of the rally – the Sapphire Cost Sporting Car Club – told the council entries fell considerably when Bega roads were dropped from the event.

The Bega Chamber of Commerce also put its full support behind the idea of its return to the shire, noting its prior “substantial financial boost to local business and the community…has been noticeably missed”.

It was pointed out to councillors that even given “in-principle support”, the rally organisers will still have to satisfy all other statutory requirements before approval is given.

Cr Liz Seckold said she had concerns the organisers “were unable to give assurances on potential repairs to roads”.

Cr Keith Hughes also spoke against the idea, saying it demonstrated a form of unsafe driving and “it is not the type of activity we should use our public roads for”.

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick supported the event’s reinstatement on shire roads, talking down concerns over the potential for injury – either entrant or spectator.

“We could get injured walking down the street, but we don’t stop people from doing it,” he said.

The recommendation to give in-principle support passed 5-3 with Crs Hughes, Seckold and Ann Mawhinney voting against (Cr Sharon Tapscott was absent).