High-Visibility Policing for 60th Repco Bathurst 1000

As Bathurst revs up for the 60th Repco Bathurst 1000, the iconic Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit is set to host a high-visibility policing operation to ensure the safety and security of over 200,000 competitors, officials, and spectators.

The Supercars Australia’s ultimate endurance race kicked off with practice laps today, Thursday, 5 October 2023, with the main event scheduled for 11:15 am on Sunday, 8 October 2023.

To safeguard the event and its patrons, General Duties police from the Chifley Police District and Western Region will be joined by a specialized task force, including 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.

Operation Bathurst 2023 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree APM, and Bathurst Mayor, Councillor Jess Jennings, officially launched the operation. Greentree said the police presence would focus on road safety and crowd behaviour while minimising disruptions to the local community.

“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,” Assistant Commissioner Greentree said. “We want racegoers to enjoy the weekend, be responsible for their own actions, and take care of their mates.”

With the influx of vehicles coinciding with the end of NSW school holidays, Assistant Commissioner Greentree urged all motorists to exercise extreme vigilance in managing their speed, fatigue, and driving behaviour. Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed to ensure the safety of racegoers and other road users.

“Licensing police will be in and around licensed venues to target alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour,” Greentree said.  “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.”

Mayor Jess Jennings said the community that the council had prepared extensively for this event.

“Bathurst Regional Council has focused on creating family-friendly activities that complement the great race,” Cr Jennings said. “SuperFest will involve a variety of activities, including the transporter parade, music in the parade, and the legend’s dinner.”

For campers and travelers, the following tips were provided:

– Plan your trip in advance and make bookings if possible.

– Store car keys securely and out of sight in caravans, tents, and hotel accommodation.

– Get to know your surrounding campers.

– Leave valuables at home, but if you must take them, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight, including laptops, phones, and iPads.

– Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended.

– Use a lock to secure your tent if possible.

– Consider using a portable alarm in your tent or campervan.

– Plan for changes in weather conditions.

– Do not leave valuables in unattended vehicles.

– Report any suspicious behaviour to the police.

For further information about the event, including venue maps, track schedules, and parking availability, visit www.supercars.com/bathurst1000 . For special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways, and live traffic reports, visit www.livetraffic.com