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Newcastle Herald

National

Michael Parris

State signals Supercars return for five more years

Max MasonHubers Newcastle Marina Neil Supercars Nuatali Nelmes Simone De Peak Taylor Martin

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes and parliamentary secretary Taylor Martin at Wednesday's media event. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The NSW government has signalled it would like to see the Newcastle 500 Supercars race return to the city for another five years.

Wharf Road closed for two months on Wednesday as work started on installing barriers, grandstands and other infrastructure for the next race weekend from March 10 to 12.

This year's season-opening round marks the final instalment of the state government's five-year contract to host Supercars racing in Newcastle.

The contract includes a five-year option, and parliamentary secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said on Wednesday that the government would evaluate the race weekend's costs and benefits after March.

"We'll look at all the economic data, the feedback from residents, the feedback from businesses, and of course we'll be consulting with the City of Newcastle about their experience," he said.

"It's a great event, broadcast around the world, and really we do hope to see it continue.

A Supercars map of the first stage of the track build.

"It's an exciting day. I understand there's different views from around Newcastle and the Hunter."

The event has drawn large crowds to the city's picturesque coastline, but Newcastle East Residents Group has fought a bitter campaign to have it moved away from the heritage precinct.

Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said at Wednesday's launch of the track build that a council survey had shown the race enjoyed "overwhelming support" across the local government area.

"There is a bit of a buzz around Newcastle. You can feel that in the air," she said.

"There are a small amount of people who are affected.

"Our path forward is to make sure the effects and the concerns of those residents and businesses aren't too much to deal with in terms of having an event back here for the following five years of the agreement."

Day 3 at the Newcastle 500 in 2019. Photo: Max Mason-Hubers

Scenes from Day 2 at the Newcastle Supercars. Photo: Max Mason-Hubers

Scenes from Day 3 at the Newcastle Supercars. Photo: Marina Neil

Scenes from the Newcastle Supercars on Day 2 of the Newcastle 500. Photo: Marina Neil

Scenes from Day 2 at the Newcastle Supercars. Photo: Marina Neil

Scenes from Day 2 at the Newcastle 500. Photo: Marina Neil

Inside the Supercars precinct in Newcastle on Day 2 of the Newcastle 500. Photo: Max Mason-Hubers

Scenes from the second day inside the Newcastle Supercars precinct. Photo: Simone De Peak

Scenes from Day 1 at the Newcastle Supercars. Photo: Marina Neil

Harrison Ling is 7 months old. He's trackside at his first Newcastle Supercars with Lizzy Ling of Swansea. Photo: Simone De Peak

Trackside on Day 1 of the 2019 Newcastle 500. Photo: Simone De Peak

Ollie Fletcher was in Civic Park on Thursday afternoon to see his racing hero Craig Lowndes ahead of the Newcastle 500. Picture: Simon McCarthy

Scenes from the signing event at Civc Park on Thursady afternoon.

Zac Richardson of Rutherford has his shirt signed by 2017 Supercars Championship winner Jamie Whincup. Picture: Simon McCarthy

Jason Mudd of Carrington pulled off his shirt in the signing line at Civic Park on Thursday to have it signed by Jamie Whincup.

Bob Payne of Aberglasslyn has carried a nitros bottle and panel from his car, which used to belog to his dad, to have it signed by every driver in the Newcastle 500, He describes his car as a street sleeper, which he occassionally races.

Lucas Middleton from Currumbin Waters in Civic Park on Thursday. He is in Newcastle with his family, formerly of Newcastle, who have come back to the city after 16 years, for the Supercars. Picture: Simon McCarthy

The Newcastle Herald reported on Tuesday that some affected residents were concerned about the lack of a government engagement officer in the Office of Sport to deal with complaints.

The government has referred residents and businesses to a Supercars-employed engagement officer unless the matter relates to the Motor Sports Events Act.

Mr Martin said the government would take on board feedback about this year's engagement process "and look at what can be done differently for next year's event."

The event organisers have truncated the track build from five weeks to four, but park, road and car park closures will remain in place for much of the next two months. Nobbys and Newcastle beaches will remain open, but the Nobbys western car parks are closed.

Supercars' Newcastle community manager, Chris Yates, said the track build represented a "big challenge" for nearby residents and businesses.

"It has a disruptive effect on their lives in terms of the build process, not just people who live here but people who commute around," he said.

He said Supercars had information on its website about road closures and other details of the construction period and had completed letterbox drops.

This year's race will be the debut for Supercars' third-generation Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro race cars.

Cr Nelmes said City of Newcastle was undertaking "deep community consultation" on the race's impacts and benefits.

She said she would like to see the Newcastle 500 remain as the opening or closing round of the season to attract more attention and take advantage of better seasonal weather.

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