Police have launched a high-visibility operation for this year’s Coates Hire Newcastle 500 to ensure racegoers enjoy the event safely.
The finale of the Supercars Australia Championship Series begins with practice laps today (Friday 22 November), with the final race taking place at 4.15pm on Sunday (24 November 2019).
Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 has been launched today to ensure the safety and security of more than 150,000 people – including competitors, officials and spectators – expected to descend on Newcastle this weekend.
General duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, will be assisted by specialist police, from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Groups (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Police Transport Command and Traffic & Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, was joined by General Manager of Operations Supercars Australia, Kurt Sakzewski, City of Newcastle councillor, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, and Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager, Mark Dunlop earlier today to officially launch the operation.
“We want all locals and visitors to have a great time, but our top priority is to ensure all spectators, officials and competitors are safe. There will be a large high-visibility police presence and any anti-social or dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“The past two years we have been very pleased with crowd behaviour, and we hope we can maintain this standard going forward. Local officers and specialist police will be out in force across the event footprint, focusing on road safety, crowd behaviour, alcohol-related violence, and minimising disruption to the local community.
“With more than 150,000 people expected to attend, police are urging motorists to be patient, remain vigilant with speed and fatigue, and drive to the conditions.
“The message is simple – do not drink to excess and if you’re planning on driving please make sure you have a Plan B,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Additional Traffic & Highway Patrol officers will also be deployed to ensure racegoers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.
Supercars Australia’s General Manager of Operations, Kurt Sakzewski said the drivers and the Supercars team love concluding their year in Newcastle.
“This is the third time Newcastle has hosted our final round and our teams can’t wait to get back here every year.
“Newcastle does a fantastic job of not only providing a beautiful backdrop to our Championship but is also a great host city to our teams and fans, many of whom bring their families from around Australia to enjoy the event.
“The event continues to evolve as a family-friendly event, with exhilarating racing and a well-coordinated transport system. We’re looking forward to seeing what Newcastle has to offer in 2019,” Mr Sakzewski said.
City of Newcastle Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the city was excited to host the third consecutive Newcastle 500, with the city continuing to be highlighted on the world stage.
“Newcastle continues to show Australia, and in fact the world, that it is one of the premier locations to host a major event,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“We look forward to delivering another safe, inclusive event for residents and visitors alike in 2019.”
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit www.livetraffic.com.
Further information about the event, including venue maps, transport and parking availability, can be found at: www.supercars.com/newcastle/
Plan your trip to and from the venue precinct ahead of time. Extra bus, train, and light rail services have been scheduled, for more visit http://transportnsw.info/events/2019/11/supercars-newcastle-500