City of Newcastle to have last say on Supercars future

Following Supercars’ return to the Newcastle streets, the City of Newcastle will have the “final decision” on the future of the 500km event.

Last weekend’s Newcastle 500 was the first held since 2019, but last under the current agreement between the local council, Supercars and Destination NSW signed in 2016, a year before the inaugural race.

Despite strong crowds flocking to the 2023 season opener, Supercars making a return to the streets of Newcastle is still uncertain.

As previously reported by AUTO ACTION the fate of the event will be determined by a Community Consultation Strategy.

Crowds at the 2023 Newcastle 500. Image: Peter Norton/Epic Sports Photography

This plan was put into action more than a month ago, with thousands of people already responding to an online survey, while face-to-face questionnaires were completed at the event itself.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nautili Nelmes said the City of Newcastle is committed to covering the views of race goers and non Supercars fans alike to formulate a balanced decision about the future of the event.

“The community have now experienced the Newcastle 500 four times, so we’re really keen to hear their thoughts on the Newcastle 500 and the possibility of extending its time in our city,” Cr Nelmes said in a statement.

“At this time, no decision has been reached on the future of the race.

“If the NSW Government decides it wants to extend the Newcastle 500 for another five years then our Council will have the final decision on whether Newcastle continues as the host city.

“We’re committed to undertaking a robust, open process of consultation through consultants KPMG, who are using a range of online, in-person and telephone surveys before, during and after the race period to gather feedback from as wide a range of people as possible.

“This feedback will allow councillors to better understand the community’s views on issues around liveability, economic benefit or challenges, perceptions of the event and its impact on the visitor economy.

“It is wonderful to see events come back to the city and this is our first race post COVID.”

Fans enjoyed the views of the Newcastle 500 from a variety of vantage points. Image: Peter Norton/Epic Sports Photography

Cr Nelmes also appeared on the Supercars TV broadcast ahead of Sunday’s race and described some of the economic benefits of the Newcastle 500’s return.

“I can tell you from Friday onwards we have seen enormous numbers in the city,” she said.

“It is fantastic for us, and also all the area of the Hunter region to see so many visitors coming through our airport and seeing what wonderful things we have to offer.

“We now have two five-star hotels that we didn’t have the last time Supercars raced in Newcastle and what we have seen is an influx of all different types of visitors.

“It has been wonderful to welcome everyone back and a lot of businesses are thriving.”

As part of the Community Consultation Strategy, the City of Newcastle will compile a report based on the community’s feedback and insights across a six-week consultation process.

In addition to the surveys and questionnaires, randomised telephone surveys have also commenced following the conclusion of the 2023 Newcastle 500 to hear the views across the region.

The process continues with a letterbox drop at every property in the Newcastle local government area, while residents, business and industry representatives will provide further feedback at stakeholder workshops.

The report is expected to be released mid-year, providing a possible timeframe of when the Newcastle 500’s future could be confirmed.

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