Foreshore access during Supercars preparation

Newcastle City Council has reaffirmed that access to the Foreshore and East End will be maintained during the inaugural Supercars Newcastle 500 event.

While some requests for event permits in the race precinct may be affected, general access to the East End and the Foreshore continue.

Major events, such as the Australian round of the FIM Asia Supermoto Championship in September 2017, will continue as planned.

Requests to hold events in the race precinct and general public access were separate issues, and emphasised that access to East End beaches and other locations will continue as usual.

"As we have advised since the Newcastle 500 event was announced, beaches and the East End in general will be accessible before, during and after the event period for members of the public, carers, and other essential service providers such as emergency services," Acting ICEO Frank Cordingley said.

"If you want to have a BBQ in the park, take the kids for a ride on their scooters, walk along the Bathers Way or have a swim at the beach; you will be able to. Any changes will be managed in the same way that we do for any major event."

Council staff recently advised some event organisers, who had applied for a booking, that Council was not able to take bookings between 26 April and 31 December 2017 and that council would be happy to negotiate another location or date.

Our staff will work collaboratively with event organisers hoping to hold an event in the event precinct in 2017 and we'll review requests on a case-by-case basis," Mr Cordingley said.

Newcastle City Council has confirmed that the Flatrock Festival of Surfing will proceed on 29 April 2017 after Council officers reviewed the date and location and determined it could proceed as requested.

"The construction phase of the Newcastle 500 is still being finalised; the last thing we want to do is issue a permit for an event at Foreshore Park then find out it will be affected by construction works. We would prefer to give event organisers as much possible notice that they may need to consider an alternative schedule or location.

"We have a great deal of experience in managing large events and crowds, especially in this area, while still maintaining access to our fantastic beaches and parks."