The NSW Police Force will conduct a high-visibility operation for this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000 to ensure race enthusiasts enjoy the event safely.
Supercars Australia ultimate endurance race, Repco Bathurst 1000, begins with practice laps today (Thursday 6 October 2022), with the main event starting at 11.15am on Sunday (9 October 2022).
With more than 200,000 competitors, officials and spectators expected to descend on Mount Panorama, Operation Bathurst will ensure event and patron safety and security.
General duties officers from Chifley Police District and across Western Region will be assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Group (OSG), the Dog and Mounted Unit, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command, Police Transport Command, and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Operation Bathurst Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree APM, was joined by Bathurst Mayor, Councillor Robert Taylor, and Supercars Australia Chief Operating Officer, Shane Howard, to officially launch the operation.
“Police will be out in force and will not only focus on road safety and crowd behaviour but will 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.
“To ensure racegoers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely, additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed,” he said.
“There will be a significant police presence on all roads leading to Bathurst and people should obey the traffic legislation, particularly speed limits.
“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 APM said.
Mayor Robert Taylor would like to thank the NSW Police for their efforts in keeping everyone safe at this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000.
“This iconic event is an opportunity to welcome many visitors to our city and showcase all the wonderful things Bathurst and the surrounding region has to offer, not just the Mount Panorama circuit but the vibrant prosperous regional city that we are,” Mr Taylor said.
“Bathurst Regional Council has focused on creating family friendly activities that complement the great race. The off-track events program will feature a street fair, live music, markets and children’s rides.”
Supercars Chief Executive Shane Howard said the Repco Bathurst 1000 is one of Australia’s most popular sporting events and one of the pre-eminent motor races in the world.
“We’re thrilled to be joined once again by thousands of fans back here at the mountain for our flagship event on the calendar, the Repco Bathurst 1000,” Mr Howard said.
“This is the spiritual home of racing in Australia and over the next four days we want fans to enjoy themselves in safe manner, taking in everything the mountain has to offer,” he said.
Further information about the event, including venue maps, track schedules and parking availability, can be found at: https://www.supercars.com/bathurst1000/
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit: www.livetraffic.com.
