STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr GEE (Calare) (16:06): Yesterday the eyes of the nation, and of millions of viewers around the world, were glued to another incredible great race at Mount Panorama. A massive crowd of over 204,000 fans made it the largest Bathurst 1000 since 2018. I want to extend a vote of thanks to Bathurst Regional Council, led by Mayor Ben Fry, Supercars and all of the volunteers, businesses and community members who made it all happen.

This event puts Australian motorsport on the world stage. But, amidst the high-octane excitement, the race weekend also highlighted serious challenges with the track. As I was watching the coverage at the race with Mayor Ben Fry, the commentators were highlighting how the track was cracking up in places, and they were actually showing examples of it on live TV.

The Mount Panorama track surface is showing its age and it is under immense strain. If New South Wales and Australia want to keep the mountain as the physical and spiritual home of motorsport in Australia, state and federal governments are going to have to put down serious funding to repair the track and undertake badly needed upgrades. Mount Panorama is an international motorsport icon.

The drivers love it, the fans love it and, in order to keep the track's racing accreditation, our governments need to show some love for it as well. That means opening the wallets and the chequebooks and backing in the Bathurst 1000. Back Bathurst.

Back the track. Make it happen. State and federal governments, I'm talking to you.