Bathurst Regional Council is in the process of compulsorily acquiring land near the intersection of Havannah Street, Panorama Avenue, Peter Gannon Drive and Ray Bant Drive before proceeding with the initiative.

A report by city engineer Doug Patterson to last Wednesday night’s ordinary monthly meeting of council notes the lots in question are owned by the Department of Primary Industries’ Crown Lands Division.

“Council has investigated upgrading the existing roundabout at the intersection of Panorama Avenue, Havannah Street and the two alternate accesses used when staging events at the Mount Panorama Racing Circuit,” the report states.

“The roundabout is used for public access to the circuit and local residents to gain access to their properties; at times of staging race events by B-double vehicles transporting the racing cars to the track; for patrons using the Mount Panorama Rydges Hotel alternate access route Ray Bant Drive; and for access to Harris Park via Peter Gannon Parade at race time.”

Mr Patterson says it is necessary to enlarge the existing roundabout to cater for the increased traffic volume and to provide improved access at times of emergencies when events are staged at the circuit.

“Lots 300 and 301 will be acquired under the Roads Act 1993, as the road will include council facilities such as water, sewerage, electricity and Telstra services,” the report contin-ues.

“It is proposed to prepare an application to the Department of Primary Industries for their approval to acquire the Crown land and register an acquisition plan at Land and Property Information.”

The cost of the application and plan amendments is estimated to be $5000.