THE Bathurst Regional Council has committed funds to an important safety upgrade on Mount Panorama, with $100,000 committed to a new “barrier wall” opposite the tower on top of the famed circuit, as per a request from the FIA.
The capital works budget listed in the business agenda for the council’s ordinary meeting, scheduled for today, also notes a $400,000 commitment over the next four years for the installation of fibre-optic cabling between the pit complex and the Castrol Tower.
Additionally, from 2027/’28, $150,000 will be committed to fauna fencing over three years, with $300,000 allocated to debris fencing upgrades.
This year, $50,000 is committed to driveway access improvements to 163 Mountain Straight, the property straight ahead at the Griffins Bend.
The moves come after the circuit came under fire following a spate of severe incidents during the Bathurst 12 Hour.
Last week, V8 Sleuth reported on the multimillion-dollar price tag attached to installing marshal light boards around the circuit, with the fibre-optic installation among the items required to facilitate the safety upgrade.
The council notes that a funding application has been submitted to the Federal Government for the resurfacing of the circuit and other infrastructure upgrades, and that the application is currently under review.
The council document also stated that the FIA inspected the circuit late last year and issued a three-year track licence, expiring in November 2028.
The note further explains that the Council is aware of the AASA’s alternate sanctioning; however, the NSW Office of Sport’s permit for the venue requires Motorsport Australia’s backing.
Also listed in the piece are the separate hire fees for all Council-owned areas and assets within the Mount Panorama Circuit venue.
The list starts with the full circuit closure at $15,225 minimum per day, with the actual fee confirmed through negotiation, and the fee decreases if the entire circuit is closed to the public, or if part of the track is used for filming advertisements or similar activities.
The council can also hire the various pit lane garages and suites, the Skyline Tower, corporate areas, kitchens, race operations offices, paddock sealed areas, driver’s briefing room, Harris Park, McPhillamy Park, Sulman Park and Reid Park
The paddock campground can be hired for $378; event organisers must pay an additional 15 per cent of the campsite hire fee for each site sold at the event.
People can also hire the winner’s podium for $300 for a four-hour block.
The Supercars Finals: Who’s In, and Who’s Out
THE team from The Undercut have run their rule over the prospective field for the inaugural Supercars Finals, with the battle to make the top ten in the standings after Bathurst tight.