[Greens-Media] Policing for V8s at Mt Panorama will echo at Olympic Park

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 9 October 2008

Policing for V8s at Mt Panorama will echo at Olympic Park

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon is calling on Premier Nathan Rees to reveal the
anticipated costs of policing the V8 supercar event at Olympic Park, in
light of revelations that 600 police, including officers from the public
order and riot squad, air wing, mounted police and the dog unit will be
targeting anti-social behaviour at Bathurst this weekend.

“Policing is yet another cost taxpayers will bear as a result of
Premier Nathan Ree’s decision to bring V8 supercars to Olympic
Park,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“There’s no doubt the government will anticipate the same kind of
anti-social behaviour at Olympic Park as at Bathurst and throw massive
policing resources at the event.

“Fast powerful cars, speeding and drinking are a lethal mix which
will only add to the damage that will be done to Olympic Park when V8
supercars arrive.

“Motorcar racing is traditionally sponsored by alcohol companies,
like Jim Bean and XXXXGold, and drinking is part and parcel of
traditional spectator behaviour. 

“At Mt Panorama adult race enthusiasts are ‘restricted’ to
bringing the following alcohol items into the campground every day: 24
cans of beer, 36 cans of light or mid-strength beer, 24 cans or
pre-mixed drinks or one cask of wine. 

“Gold membership packages at Mt Panorama include a six hour beverage
package including beer, wine and soft drink with a cash bar for sprits
between 11am-5pm.

“Considering the massive allowable alcohol intake it is no surprise
police will be on high alert.

“Past spectator behaviour at Mt Panorama has included rioting, cars
being burnt, toilet blocks being blown up, the torching of an ice-cream
van and pulling down of fencing.

“Bringing V8 supercars to Olympic Park is a poor decision on many
fronts. 

“The costs of policing anti-social behaviour and the potential risks
of accidents and deaths only compound Nathan Ree’s error in giving the
go ahead to the event,” Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568



Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au