No Admission Charge for Perth's Red Bull Air Race

Spectators will not have to pay to watch next year's Red Bull Air Race after the Western Australian Government intervened in a plan by race organisers to charge for admission to the event.
In October last year The West Australian newspaper revealed that Red Bull Air Race GmbH planned to fence off big sections of the South Perth foreshore, considered the prime vantage point, and charge an entry fee.
The decision, which contradicted the event's previously promoted 'free' status, prompted accusations that organisers and the WA Government had shunned its community focus in favour of making a profit.
At the time Eventscorp and Red Bull Air Race Australia declined to say how much tickets would cost, but South Perth City Council, which approved use of Sir James Mitchell Park, estimated the charge at $20 a head.
WA Tourism Minister Dr Liz Constable has now announced that both the 2010 and 2011 events would include "free general admission to ensure the race catered for the entire community".
However, Dr Constable said that in line with previous races, spectators will have the option to purchase grandstand tickets and premium corporate hospitality packages.
Dr Constable said the move was the result of a "new partnership" between Tourism WA and Red Bull Air Race GmbH but did not say how much the arrangement would cost the Government.
As part of the new partnership, the WA Government will also sponsor the only Australian race pilot, ex-RAAF pilot Matt Hall.
Under the arrangement, WA and Perth branding will be on Hall's race plane, race suit and team wear at all air races around the world during the next two years.
The Perth race has previously attracted 300,000 spectators.
The Red Bull Air Race will take place on 17th and 18th April.