Targa's surprise return to New Norfolk

AFTER an absence of several years, Targa Tasmania returns to New Norfolk this weekend in the manner in which it all started - a regrouping stage in Circle St which will give motorsport fans and car lovers alike the opportunity to get up close to the participants and their vehicles in relaxed conditions between 11am and 3pm this Sunday.

Sadly the event has been quite poorly promoted and news of road closures in the area reached affected residents and businesses only late this afternoon. In a hand-delivered letter, Derwent Valley Council general manager Stephen Mackey said it had come to the council's attention that some residents in Richmond, Tank and Circle St had not been formally advised by Targa Tasmania that the regrouping/lunch break for this year’s event was to be held in Circle St on Sunday May 2. "To facilitate this, Richmond St, Tank St and Circle St will be closed to through traffic from 11am to 3pm," Mr Mackey wrote. 

Mr Mackey continued: "Residents in these areas will still be able to access their properties as long as they communicate with the Targa Tasmania officials at the barricades. Council regret the apparent lack of notification of this event to some residents in the area and we will be taking this matter up with Targa Tasmania," Mr Mackey wrote.

Contrary to the council's advice, the Targa Tasmania website advises that Circle St between Blair and Burnett Sts will be closed between 7am and 3pm. As a result, motorists should be prepared for changed traffic conditions in the area at all times on Sunday.