Round one of the Repco Supercars Championship began at Mount Panorama on Friday.

Western Region Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, was joined by Supercars Australia Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard and Bathurst Mayor, Councillor Bobby Bourke, to officially launch Operation Bathurst 500.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said it was great to have Supercars back in Bathurst to start the season.

"It's so good for the community and so good for the region," he said.

But he reminded people there would be a high-visibility police operation underway both on Mount Panorama and in the town itself, and while police want people to enjoy themselves, he said they should "have a great time, but do so responsibly."

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Traditionally, events of its kind at Bathurst have drawn in large crowds of competitors, officials and spectators. However, this year's event will attract an expected crowd of 10,000 patrons across the three days of racing in accordance with the NSW Health COVID-19 Safety Plan for Major Recreational Facilities.

Despite the reduction in crowd numbers, police will conduct a proactive operation to ensure the compliance of Public Health Orders, while also targeting traffic offences and the deterrence of criminal activity at Mount Panorama and the Bathurst township.

General duties officers from Chifley Police District and across Western Region will be assisted by specialist police from the Operations Support Group (OSG), Dog Unit, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.

Spectators will be required to comply with a strict COVID Safe plan which includes zoned spectator camping and corporate viewing, ticketed seating and physical distancing.

Assistant Commissioner McKenna said police will be out in force throughout the operation 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 and licensing arrangements.

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