Police have launched a high-visibility operation for this year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 to ensure race enthusiasts enjoy the event safely, NSW Police say.
The V8 Supercars ultimate endurance race, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, begins with practice laps today, with the main event taking place at 11.10am on Sunday (9 October 2016).
Operation Mawson has been launched today to ensure the safety and security of more than 200,000 people expected to descend on Mount Panorama, including competitors, officials and spectators.
General Duties officers from Chifley Local Area Command and across Western 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 Mawson Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, was joined by Bathurst Mayor, Councillor Gary Rush, and V8 Supercars 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 McKechnie said.
"This is the most anticipated motorsport event in Australia; with many people making the annual journey to catch their slice of the action. We respect everyone’s right to enjoy the race weekend, but will not tolerate any form of anti-social or criminal behaviour.
"Over recent years, the race has certainly shifted toward being a much more family-friendly event, and police have been working closely with event organisers and other agencies to ensure that trend continues," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
"There are however some who drink to excess and try to spoil the event for others, which is why we will maintain a highly-visible presence and ensure strict alcohol restrictions are adhered to."
Each adult will be restricted to bringing one of the following items into the event each day, which will be enforced by police and event security.
- One carton of full strength beer or full strength premixed drinks in cans only (24 can); OR
- One carton of mid strength beer (30 cans); OR
- One cask of wine (up to four litres); OR
- One bottle of spirits (750ml – plastic bottle only).
Glass is also strictly prohibited from the campgrounds, which includes jars.
"I’d like to remind all racegoers that police can confiscate alcohol without warning and ask you to dispose of your alcohol," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
"We want everyone to 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 vehicle 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 McKechnie 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 Mount Panorama and the multiple viewing areas, and they can be seized by police.
"We want the Bathurst 1000 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 we’re urging all motorists to be extremely vigilant with their speed, fatigue and driving behaviour," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
"Racegoers need to exercise patience, allow extra travel time, and expect delays, particularly on the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road to accommodate the significant increase in traffic.
"Officers will be cracking down on motorists who choose to flout the road rules, so don’t put yourself, or other road users at risk," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit: www.livetraffic.com.
Mayor of Bathurst, Councillor Gary Rush, said the city was ready to welcome tens of thousands of race fans to the city for the 2016 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
"Bathurst is home to the iconic Mount Panorama racing circuit and fans make the pilgrimage to the track each year to take in the racing action. We expect 200,000 ticket sales this year while millions more worldwide will tune in to watch the action.," Cr Rush said.
"It is an opportunity for Bathurst to promote itself on a world stage and to show off all that we have to offer, not just the Mount Panorama circuit but the vibrant prosperous regional city we are."
Shane Howard said the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 is one of Australia's biggest sporting events and one of the pre-eminent motor races in the world.
"We are expecting huge crowds this weekend and are looking forward to seeing some spectacular motor racing and entertainment for the fans," Mr Howard said.
"We want everyone to enjoy themselves but please do so safely and respect each other so we can make this one of the best events we have seen."
Further information about the event, including venue maps, track schedules and parking availability, can be found at: http://www.supercars.com/bathurst1000/
