The Gascoyne Dash, one of Western Australia’s most iconic desert races, has been canceled for 2024 following environmental concerns raised by a key station owner. This decision will disappoint racers and fans alike, but organizers remain optimistic about the event’s future.
Environmental Challenges Prompt Cancellation
The Gascoyne Dash typically sees motorcycles and buggies traverse over 400 kilometers of rugged terrain between Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction. However, plans for the 2024 race hit a roadblock when permission to access Jimba Jimba Pastoral Station, one of the three stations along the route, was denied.
According to Ted Schultz, president of the Gascoyne Off-Road Racing Club, this decision made it “almost impossible” to proceed with the event in its usual format.
“There’s been a few verbal conversations, but the reasons are varied,” Schultz explained. “All we are aware of is that they didn’t want us to traverse their property anymore.”
Concerns Raised by Jimba Jimba Station
In a statement, Will Baston, who runs Jimba Jimba Station, highlighted concerns over the race’s environmental impact, particularly as the station manages ongoing drought conditions.
“Jimba Jimba has had ongoing communication issues with the Gascoyne Dash Committee and has previously raised issues relating to safety, access to the station, management of the track route, dust, and environmental impact,” Baston noted.
To mitigate these concerns, Baston suggested returning the race to its original route along the Gascoyne River, which would minimize its footprint on the station’s landscape.
Optimism for 2025
Despite the setback, Schultz remains optimistic about the future of the Gascoyne Dash, with plans already underway to bring the race back in 2025. Discussions with other pastoralists in the region and the Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation have been encouraging, indicating strong local support for the event.
“We are confident we’ll have the event back on track for 2025,” Schultz said. “It’s such an important event for the community and the regional economy.”
The Gascoyne Dash is a significant event for the local economy, drawing competitors and spectators from across Australia. The cancellation means postponing visits from national competitors who had shown interest in next year’s event, delaying a much-anticipated boost to the region. While the 2024 cancellation is a disappointment, the passion and determination of the organizers and local community promise a stronger, more sustainable comeback in 2025. The Gascoyne Dash will surely reclaim its place as one of Australia’s premier desert racing events.