Targa West approached the shire in January 2014 to seek ‘in principle approval from Council’, subject to a survey showing strong support for the
event in order to submit an application for the rally event and road closures in Muchea and Maryville Downs. This was after Council resolved to withdraw their involvement back in 2009.
Targa West together with the Shire undertook a survey of Maryville Downs and Muchea residents in early 2014. The event would result in a number of roads
being used and they would be required to be closed from 1:15 to 4:15pm, a total of three (3) hours on the Saturday 16th August 2014.
While the results weren’t favourable from the Muchea residents, the results of the survey undertaken in Maryville Downs showed a 40% (180/454) response
rate, which is one of the Shires higher response rates for a community survey, with 71% (129/180) supporting the event and 20% (37/180) against – the balance not concerned either way.
The Maryville Downs community has shown great support for the event on social media and by way of petitions. Targa West continue to hold annual
Targa Rally events in the City of Perth, City of Kalamunda, City of Swan, Shire of Toodyay and Shire of Mundaring. This event has been held in Toodyay for the last nine consecutive years.
Organisers believe this event could provide great tourism opportunities for return visitors. That is, the event may expose the area to visitors who may not have been aware of Chittering had the event not been held here. It would also provide exposure of the area through national television and media coverage.
Targa West will provide a $10,000 donation for the benefit of the local community in the Lower Chittering area with the application of these funds would
be decided by Council.
