MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper says there is a place for the Mallee Rally, and for Aboriginal cultural heritage to be protected.
Ms Cupper this week sought to clarify her views on the event, following what she described as unsubstantiated attacks about her position.
She said she had noticed a number of comments on social media suggesting she didn’t support the Mallee Rally, or that she thought it should be moved to a different town.
“Some even believe that it’s my fault that the rally was cancelled in the first place,” Ms Cupper said.
“I have made my position very clear, I believe there is a place for the Mallee Rally while also protecting the Aboriginal cultural heritage at Lake Tyrrell.”
In her submission to the Aboriginal Cultural Landscape Conservation Management Plan for Lake Tyrrell, Ms Cupper spoke of the hurt the cancellation had caused.
The submission expressed support for an existing proposal to stage the race on a relatively small portion of the lake that fell outside of the boundary of the most culturally sensitive areas.
Ms Cupper said she approached the issue in the spirit of finding a solution.
“In this case the reality is that legislation exists to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage and that Lake Tyrrell has been identified as a site of cultural significance,” she said.
“Both of these decisions were made before I was elected in 2018.”
Ms Cupper said the task at hand was to find a solution whereby the legislation can be adhered to, while also carving a future for the Mallee Rally.
“I have had discussions with the Sea Lake Off Road Club, the Buloke Shire, the Victorian Government, cultural heritage experts, traditional owner groups, farmers and other constituents toward that goal.”
