HOLDING a Supercar race in Newcastle’s East End is likely to increase “stress, depressive symptoms and even suicidal ideation”, the Hunter’s mental health experts say.
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The Hunter New England Health medical staff council for mental health have warned that “clear evidence” exists that “excess noise” has a “negative impact on vulnerable people and their mental health”.
In a statement endorsed by the council and read out at a protest against the race on Friday, the medical staff council warned the Supercar race was likely to cause stress, depressive symptoms and “even suicidal ideation” for people “who have mental health problems and live nearby to the V8 Supercar racetrack”.
While the effects of Supercars and mental health had not been investigated there was “clear evidence” from studies that showed links between excess noise – including occupational, aircraft and traffic – and “mental health problems”.
Doctor Nick Bendit, the chair of the Hunter’s mental health medical staff council said studies suggested the impact from traffic noise led to “much higher levels of noise annoyance and impaired mental health” than other forms of excess noise such as from aircraft.
Dr Bendit told the Newcastle Herald that he and the medical staff council believed it was “a bad idea” told hold the race in the East End.
He said that socioeconomic disadvantage in the inner-city area proposed for the race meant it was particularly problematic from a mental health standpoint.
“I see a lot of patients from the Newcastle city area and I can tell you there’s a disproportionate number in Newcastle East and the city,” he said.
“It is exactly the worst place to stir up psychiatric stress in Newcastle. Suburbs like Hamilton, Waratah, Merewether you just don’t have that problem … [there is] a much lower proportion.”
It comes as division around the race – set to take place in the city in November – heats up. Following clashes at last Friday’s protest, Newcastle City Council revealed it may remove some trees from the inner city – including Wharf Road – to accommodate the racetrack.
But the Council remains staunchly behind the event – a spokesman said it would be a “fantastic opportunity to showcase Newcastle”.
“With an international TV audience in the millions, the event will showcase the city and our beautiful coastal setting in full glory at a beautiful time of year,” he said.
