TWEED-based No Rally Group is celebrating the end of Rally Australia in the Northern Rivers.

Yesterday's announcement has delighted the vocal group, who have opposed the rally since last year's event through the Tweed and Kyogle shires.

No Rally Group spokeswoman Andrea Vickers called it “a victory for common sense”.

“No Rally Group members, and our many supporters, are breathing a collective sigh of relief with the end of a David and Goliath struggle.

“The news that the World Rally Championship will not return to Tweed and Kyogle is a victory for common sense, residents' rights, our local economy, and the safety of people and wildlife.

“It's not often a community group sees success in a fight to protect ourselves and our environment against poor governance and the depredations of big business. It can only be put down to the passion of the many locals who love the Tweed and want to see it develop in a sensible, safe and sustainable direction.”

Meanwhile, Tweed Tour- ism general manager Phil Villiers said he was “gutted” by the loss of the rally.

“It's an incredible disappointment; it brought fantastic money to the area,” Mr Villiers said.

“It was a huge international event that really gave Tweed a profile.”

Mr Villiers said he was now worried about the future of Speed on Tweed, which was rescued by Rally Australia last year.

“It donates a lot of

money to charity and I have real fears what will happen to one of the region's favourite events.”

Further south, Coffs Harbour City Council Mayor Keith Rhoades is welcoming the region's newest attraction with open arms.

“This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for the Coffs Harbour region,” Councillor Rhoades said.

“From an economic perspective, we would see around $15 million directly injected into the local economy through this one event alone.”