A group of Newcastle East residents held an impromptu rally on Monday night against this weekend’s Newcastle 500 Supercars race.
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The residents chanted songs, chalked slogans and peace symbols on the tarmac in Scott Street and attached personal items to the wire track barriers as security guards and police looked on.
Scott Street was open only to residents on Monday night. Police cleared the road of protesters, but they remained on the footpaths.
Some residents have fought a campaign against the race being held through the heritage precinct, arguing it should be on a purpose-built track out of town.
The Newcastle Herald reported on Monday that many residents living next to the track had left or were planning to leave due to fears of excessive noise.
Meanwhile, Transport for NSW updated its online trip planner on Tuesday after it mistakenly directed travellers to catch buses at Watt Street during the race.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he had been contacted by residents pointing out that transportnsw.info was providing incorrect information about bus travel from Friday to Sunday.
By mid-afternoon the website had been updated to reflect the closure of Watt Street this week.
A Transport for NSW representative apologised for inconvenience caused to customers and racegoers heading to Newcastle.
“On 2 November, Transport for NSW released the transport plan for Newcastle 500 which detailed integrated ticketing arrangements, park-and-ride options for event-goers as well as public transport options for locals,” the spokesperson said.
“A dedicated event page with all bus details was published on the Transportnsw.info website, and detailed bus diversion and stop closure maps, including a dedicated map for the event weekend, were published on the Newcastletransport.info website on 2 November.
“An alert message was also attached to all affected bus routes noting which bus stops would be closed during the lead-up to and after the event.
“Adjustments are being made to the trip planning function to ensure customers are provided with accurate information.”
Transport for NSW announced this month that almost 100 extra trains and more than 300 extra buses would help crowds get to and from the first Newcastle 500.
The Bolton Street car park, which is charging $60 a day during the race, is booked out, but the King Street ($55) and Gibson Street ($50) parking stations still have spaces for sale.
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