The Mount Panorama Circuit on the outskirts of Bathurst is in line to receive almost $15 million in upgrades if the Opposition takes power in May’s Federal Election.
Sam Farraway, the Nationals’ candidate for the federal seat of Calare – covering Bathurst and most of the New South Wales Central West – announced a commitment of $14.9 million towards the iconic track, provided he wins the seat and the Coalition takes government.
According to Mr Farraway, the funds will be used to resurface the 6.213km circuit, replace tyre walls in need of repair, upgrade the Conrod Straight tunnel – which provides vehicle access to the infield – and install safety lighting and fibre communications technology.
“Mount Panorama brings in over $32 million a year to the local economy and supports jobs across the Central West,” Mr Farraway said on social media.
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“But after a recent safety inspection the track is overdue for critical repairs. Without this funding, Bathurst risks losing its racing crown.”
Last year, the Bathurst Regional Council announced it had allocated more than $10 million for upgrades – $7.65 million for resurfacing, $1.7 million for tyre walls and $1 million for the tunnel – in its 2024/25 budget.
The proposed federal funding would mean the council wouldn’t have to dig into its own coffers for the upgrades.
“Given the tough financial position of Bathurst Council, this funding means they can focus on other local priorities – while we make sure the track stays safe, licensed and race-ready for years to come,” Mr Farraway added.
The circuit was last resurfaced in the summer of 2013 and 2014 at a cost of $2 million, or about $2.68 million when adjusted for inflation.
During that year’s Bathurst 12 Hour in February and Bathurst 1000 in October, the bitumen surface was torn up at certain points, leading to an unprecedented hour-long stoppage in the latter race.
Though there have been no major issues since, the surface hasn’t been replaced in 11 years – the same amount of time between its repaving in 2003 and 2013-14.
While the Great Race in October and the international endurance race in February are the circuit’s two marquee events, it also hosts the 6 Hour production car outing on Easter weekend, as well as Challenge Bathurst in late November.
Outside of these events, the circuit is a two-way public road the rest of the year, with a posted speed limit of 60km/h.
Mr Carraway is one of seven candidates running for the seat of Calare, which is currently held by Independent Andrew Gee (who was elected as a Nationals member in 2022).
