(The Guardian) Bathurst supercar race going ahead despite rain and flood
The Bathurst 1000 supercars championship has made an announcement that the event starting today will go ahead “as planned” despite a weather forecast of impending rain and flooding.
Bathurst was one of the towns the Bureau of Meteorology has said they are concerned flooding could occur in centre and west of the state. Supercars CEO Shane Howard said: In light of the weather forecast over the coming days, patrons are encouraged to plan accordingly. Sessions will begin for all categories on track on Thursday and run through until Sunday’s great race.
NSW emergency services minister, Steph Cooke, was asked by ABC News Breakfast whether that race should go ahead? -- Look, we have put in wonderful preparations around Bathurst. We have seen this coming for the last few days. The SES have worked with the local council, with the event organisers, of course, and local police to proactively relocate some campers from some lower-lying areas up to higher ground.
Knowing that these systems are coming through we’re able to get on the front foot, put those preparations in place, and I think now the messaging that I’d like to get across the people who are attending the great race, this wonderful event that we have in Australia and out there at Bathurst, to be very cautious as you move in and around the community.
We might see some local road closures. That could force people on to those major roads and could result in some delays. So asking people to be patient, to drive very carefully at this time, and just keep up-to-date with the advice that’s been put out. That’s the best way to keep yourself and your family safe.
