SUPERCARS and the New South Wales Government have committed to the Newcastle 500’s renewal but the event’s future remains in the hands of the local council.
The Newcastle 500 has been pencilled in as the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship season-opener, pending an agreement being struck between all three of the relevant parties.
Less than six months out from its likely proposed date, the event remains unconfirmed.
Both Supercars and the NSW government have now publicly voiced their support for its continuation.
“Supercars and Destination NSW are aligned in their shared commitment to host the opening event of the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship in Newcastle,” said a Supercars spokesperson.
“Discussions are ongoing with Newcastle City Council and we continue to work collaboratively to find a resolution swiftly regarding the long-term future of the event in NSW’s second largest city.”
State government communications distributed today align with that stance.
“The Minns Labor Government has provided funding to host the race in Newcastle in 2024 and we have the support of Supercars for that one-year extension before a longer plan is finalised,” a media release confirmed.
“The Government is working towards a five-year deal with Supercars and will work with the landowner City of Newcastle Council to find a way forward.
“The future of the event now sits firmly in the hands of the Newcastle City Council.”
The Newcastle 500 has faced opposition from residents since its inaugural edition in 2017.
On the flipside, the NSW government release continued: “The Newcastle 500 delivers significant benefits to the broader Newcastle economy, stimulating local businesses, creating jobs and attracting visitors to the city.
“Earlier this year it was discovered the former Coalition government made massive cuts to the State Significant Fund, halving the budget for major events and tourism.
“This has had a significant impact on available funding and is why one-year extensions have been agreed for several events – providing immediate certainty to organisers, staff and fans – before longer deals can be finalised.”
Added Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham: “In the current fiscal environment, the NSW Government has prioritised retaining iconic major events such as the NRL Grand final, Mardi Gras, the Newcastle 500, and Sydney Festival.
“These events and others are currently going ahead with one-year extensions while we work through the budget black hole we inherited.
“The NSW Government is committed to finding solutions for our major events that generate economic and social value, delivering community and legacy benefits to our state and we look forward to a resolution for the Newcastle 500.”
The only dates officially locked in thus far on the 2024 Supercars schedule are for the ITM Taupo SuperSprint on April 19-21.
