Birdsville Races tradition under threat under council bid to use ‘tent city’

A shock, money-saving move that could “ruin” the iconic Birdsville Races is causing uproar, but a push back has started to prevent the end of a long-held tradition.

The Birdsville Races are a Queensland institution, as are pilots camping under the wings of their planes after flying in to the remote event, but a penny-pinching plan to ban the traditional practice has created an uproar.

Senator Pauline Hanson is attempting to overturn the ban, brought in place by the council, and vowed to sleep under the wing of her own small aircraft if she succeeds.

Diamantina Shire Council minutes revealed the council wants to put an end to the bushie practice of “camping under wing” during the Birdsville races because it would make it cheaper to hire aviation management contractors.

One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson setting up camp in Birdsville next to the light plane which she travelled in on in 2017. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

Instead it has been proposed offer additional spaces at a “tent city”, where rental can cost up to $900 for three nights for a four-person tent, and bring in additional revenue for the council.

More than 300 aircraft are anticipated to land at the Birdsville airport for the races in September, after the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 last year.

Senator Hanson said the plan could “ruin the experience of all future races”.

“The Birdsville Races were abandoned last year because of COVID-19, and just as the town prepares for what could be the biggest race meet in 139 years, council secretly makes this plan,” she said.

“This will be my fourth time flying into the races and I know how important the experience is for pilots and their passengers to sleep under the wings of their aircraft.”

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association boss Ben Morgan said it was disappointing and send a signal to the aviation community that they were not welcome at the event.

“The nation is reeling from the impact of COVID-19 on regional economies and the council should be embracing everything it can to get people out to the community,” he said.

An aerial view of the Birdsville racecourse. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

A Diamantina Shire Council spokesman said it was for safety of planes and passengers, but did not specify what those issues were.

According to a council meeting December agenda, it was originally planned that the council “discontinue providing a Special Event Zone for airside camping during the Birdsville Races” and plans be drawn up “for an additional ‘tent city’ on the oval to accommodate additional patrons including pilots and passengers.”

The agenda specifically stated “this will result in additional revenue for council”. Instead it voted for further discussions about the proposal.

The spokesman said audits had found the council was considered financially unsustainable and was looking to reduce the cost of the races.

“Council’s position is that it wants the airport operations to be cost neutral for ratepayers and to do this costs had to be reduced or landing fees increased,” he said.

Council minutes stated that each year an aviation management business is contracted for air traffic and marshalling services, but the $55,000 cost was growing too large for the small council.

Birdsville Race Club vice president Gary Brook said he was aware that the council was making changes, but that they related to safety and security arrangements at the airport.

“The safety of visitors to the Birdsville Races is paramount to us, and we’ll work with the Council to implement the changes that impact visitors to the Birdsville Races,” he said.

The council was contacted for comment but did not respond before deadline.