A high-visibility police operation is underway in the city to ensure race enthusiasts enjoy the Bathurst 1000 safely.
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Western Region Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie APM, was joined by Bathurst Mayor, Councillor Bobby Bourke, and Supercars Australia Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard to officially launch the operation on Thursday.
Traditionally the event has attracted more than 200,000 competitors, officials and spectators to the world famous Mount Panorama. However, this year's attendance has been capped at 4000 spectators to ensure a COVID Safe event that complies with NSW Public Health Orders and community expectations.
Police will continue to work under Operation Bathurst 1000 to ensure event and patron safety and security.
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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), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said police will be out in force across the weekend and will not only focus on road safety and crowd behaviour but will ensure the enforcement of NSW Public Health Orders and COVID Safe plans such as business inspections, licensing arrangements and high visibility policing.
Spectators will be required to comply with this year's COVID Safe plan which includes no spectator camping, ticketed seating and physical distancing.
"We're working closely with NSW Health to ensure this year's Bathurst 1000 is a safe event for everyone attending," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
"This year's event is considerably different to what it has been in previous years, and while we encourage racegoers to enjoy the weekend, we also urge them to be responsible for their own actions and comply with orders in place for the community's safety."
To ensure racegoers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely, additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed.
"Whilst traffic movement will be considerably down on previous years, we would still urge motorists to drive safely and make responsible decisions when getting behind the wheel," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
Councillor Bobby Bourke said the city was ready for another fantastic event of world class racing.
"Council is pleased the 2020 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 is able to proceed with limited crowd numbers" Cr Bourke said.