Police have launched a high-visibility operation for this year’s inaugural Coates Hire Newcastle 500 to ensure race enthusiasts enjoy the event safely, NSW Police say.
The finale of the Supercars Australia Championship Series begins with practise laps tomorrow (Friday 24 November 2017), with the final race taking place at 3.40pm on Sunday (26 November 2017).
Operation Boote has been launched today to ensure the safety and security of more than 150,000 people, including competitors, officials and spectators expected in Newcastle this weekend
General duties officers from Newcastle Local Area Command and across Northern Region will be assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Group (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Operation Boote Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, was joined by Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Nuatali Nelmes, and Supercars Australia Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard this afternoon to officially launch the operation.
"Local officers and specialist police will be out in force across the event footprint, focusing on road safety and crowd behaviour, and minimising the impact of the event on the local community," Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
"We are excited to have the race here in Newcastle and we want to ensure the first year of the event is family-friendly so people continue to make the annual journey.
"The message is simple – do not drink to excess and if you’re planning on driving please make sure you have a Plan B, like a designated driver.
"We will have a large high-visibility police presence and will not tolerate any form of anti-social behaviour," Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
"We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy the event, but not at the expense of other people’s safety, so make sure you behave responsibly and think before you drink."
Police, with assistance from event security and drug-detection dogs, will also be conducting searches as racegoers enter the grounds.
"If you are caught in possession of prohibited drugs or while using prohibited drugs, you are committing a serious offence and can expect to be arrested, charged and immediately ejected from the venue, or refused entry," Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
"I’d also like to remind attendees that drones are not permitted inside the event footprint. The use of drones can be a serious safety hazard given the number of racegoers making their way around the multiple viewing areas, and they can be seized by police.
"We want the Newcastle 500 to be an incident-free weekend, so anyone who chooses to break the law or create issues for other racegoers by behaving badly can expect to be caught and dealt with swiftly."
Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will also be deployed to ensure racegoers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.
"With thousands of extra cars on the road this weekend, particularly on the Friday and Saturday as crowds arrive and again on Sunday and Monday as crowds leave, we’re urging all motorists to be extremely vigilant with their speed, fatigue and driving behaviour," Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit: www.livetraffic.com.
Councillor Nuatali Nelmes urged everyone to have fun and stay safe.
"Newcastle is proud and excited to be hosting this world-class event," Cr Nelmes said.
"It’s set to be the biggest weekend the city has ever seen and we want everyone to have a fantastic time, but that means staying safe, keeping an eye on the people you’re travelling with and getting home safely."
Shane Howard said the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 is expected to be one of the biggest and most successful events the sport has ever held.
"The circuit is magnificent and the location simply stunning. The 150,000 or so people coming to the over the weekend are in for a great time and this event will really put Newcastle on the national and international map," Mr Howard said.
"We can’t wait to go racing."
Further information about the event, including venue maps, transport and parking availability, can be found at: www.supercars.com/newcastle/
