Newcastle Lord Mayor spruiks the huge benefits of Supercars event, which brings $55m to the city

Crowds flocked to the opening day of the Newcastle 500 as city leaders continued to spruik the event’s long-lasting effects on the region.

Nick Percat in the Timken Racing Holden during a practice session. Picture: Dan Himbrechts.

Crowds flocked to the opening day of the Newcastle 500 as city leaders continued to spruik the event’s long-lasting effects on the region.

On Friday, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the three-day event would bring $55 million into the city.

Newcastle Mayor Nuatali Nelmes talks at the Schools Anzac Day ceremony in the Civic Theatre today. Picture by Peter Lorimer.

“And that doesn’t even take into account the dollars that are being brought to Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland and Cessnock,’’ Cr Nelmes said as she made her way to the event on Friday.

“It continues to be a great opportunity to really put Newcastle on the map and show what the city is really like.

“Those aerial views of the race, showing the beaches and the working harbour, are priceless for this area.’’

Cr Nelmes said the benefits for the region were deeper than just dollar figures and good promotion. It also included more practical benefits, such as the partnership the event had with University of Newcastle undergraduates who were able to put their theory into practice while working at the event.

Chaz Mostert drives the #55 Supercheap Auto Racing Ford Mustang during practice for the Newcastle 500. Picture: Getty Images

“It is a terrific opportunity for young people to work at such a large event and the university has been exceptionally supportive to have their undergraduates experience being involved,’’ Cr Nelmes said.

There are two further days of racing, culminating in Sunday’s big race.

Police have also promised a large presence at the event, with general duties officers brought in from across the Northern Region to aid specialist police from the public order and riot squad, operations support groups, dog unit, Polair, licensing, bicycle unit, highway patrol and police transport command.

People watching from a balcony at Newcastle Beach during the first practice session at the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 today. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“We want all locals and visitors to have a great time, but our top priority is to ensure all spectators, officials and competitors are safe,’’ Northern Region commander Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said.

“There will be a large high-visibility police presence and any anti-social or dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated.

“The past two years we have been very pleased with crowd behaviour, and we hope we can maintain this standard going forward.

“Local officers and specialist police will be out in force across the event footprint, focusing on road safety, crowd behaviour, alcohol-related violence, and minimising disruption to the local community.

“With more than 150,000 people expected to attend, police are urging motorists to be patient, remain vigilant with speed and fatigue, and drive to the conditions.