A high-visibility policing operation will be running at the 60th race meeting being held this weekend at Bathurst's iconic Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit.
Supercars Australia's ultimate endurance race, Repco Bathurst 1000, begins with practice laps today (Thursday 5 October 2023), with the main event starting at 11.15am on Sunday (8 October 2023).
With more than 200,000 competitors, officials and spectators expected to descend on Mount Panorama, Operation Bathurst 2023 will ensure event and patron safety and security.
General Duties police attached to Chifley Police District and across Western Region, will be assisted by specialist officers from the Operations Support Group (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Operation Bathurst 2023 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree APM, was joined by Bathurst Mayor, Councillor Jess Jennings to officially launch the operation.
"Police will be out in force and will not only focus on road safety and crowd behaviour but will work to minimise the impact of the event on the local community," Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
"People are encouraged to enjoy themselves responsibly, be considerate of their neighbours and the people around them, and act accordingly for what is a family event where people of all ages are present.
"We want racegoers to enjoy the weekend, be responsible for their own actions and take care of their mates.
"We're urging all motorists to be extremely vigilant in managing their speed, fatigue and driving behaviour, especially with thousands of extra vehicles on the road coinciding with the end of NSW school holidays.
"To ensure racegoers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely, additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed.
"Don't put yourself, or other road users at risk, our officers will be on alert and – if you break the road rules –will enforce them.
"The community should be aware that we will have licensing police in and around licensed venues to target alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
"Random drug and alcohol testing will be in place in and around Bathurst, and people are urged to take precautions to make sure they arrive safely and get home from the event in one piece.
"I again remind those making their way to Mount Panorama to drive to the conditions and show patience and courtesy to other road users," Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
Mayor Jess Jennings said Bathurst is home to the iconic Mount Panorama and Bathurst Regional Council is proud to be the custodian of this internationally-acclaimed circuit.
"We take this role seriously and invest time and resources each year into ensuring the circuit is ready to host this great event," Cr Jennings said.
"Bathurst Regional Council has focused on creating family-friendly activities that complement the great race. SuperFest will involve a variety of activities including the transporter parade, music in the parade and legend's dinner.
Tips for campers and travellers include,
* Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking
* Store car keys securely and out of sight in caravans, tents and hotel accommodation
* Get to know your surrounding campers
* Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight. This includes laptops, phones and iPads.
* Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended
* Where possible, use a lock to secure your tent
* Where possible, use a portable alarm in your tent or campervan
* Plan for changes to weather conditions
* Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles, and4
* Report any suspicious behaviour to police.
Further information about the event, including venue maps, track schedules and parking availability, can be found at: http://www.supercars.com/bathurst1000/
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit: www.livetraffic.com.
