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V8 SUPERCARS Q & A
Responses from V8 Supercars Australia
Here is a list of questions posed to the race organisers by the SOPBA Board. No doubt these will raise many more questions, but they are a good starting point for future consultation.
Q. What date is proposed for the event?
A. Our preferred date is the last weekend in November (2009) however we have been informed that this may impact on some current activities eg The HSC exam marking which I believe takes place in some of the show pavilions. If we cannot achieve the November date our date will be the first weekend in December 2009 (4th-6th December).
Q. What about the location of the track?
A. Please refer to the attached Track Map. This is the final model which takes into account leaving the hotels, train station and the Commonwealth Bank Building outside the precinct.
Q. Commonwealth Bank has practical completion of two additional buildings in 2008 which includes 15-20 retail businesses. Can they still operate?
A. They can still trade as per the Gold Coast operation which involves 74 businesses. Access around the track is left open during the build, and then gates are put in during the lock down and can be accessed 7pm-7am. During the race, businesses will be accredited to have 24/7 access for CBA in particular. The CBA under the new design is now unaffected as it is outside the Event precinct. It can be accessed 24/7.
Q. What about P1 car park access?
A. The car park will still be accessible. It will be accessible outside of the hours of 7am-7pm during the Event. Outside of the Event, it will have unimpeded access. It is our intention to utilise this carpark during the Event for VIP Corporate parking and administration / Marshalls/volunteers etc.
Q. How do you propose managing this as a green, zero carbon event?
A. Please see attached information on V8 Racing Green and our Supersafe Program. In addition to the attachments, V8SC will operate the Event as a carbon neutral Event with a Carbon Offset program. V8SC would like to advise that for the 2009 season V8SC will be running on a renewable resource of Ethanol based fuel.
Q. Can you give us a month by month breakdown of the construction?
A. Civil works commence by taking out the median strips. This is a one-off exercise. The installation of barrier and fences takes place six weeks out from the event. Stands are erected four weeks out. Post event it takes 11 days to remove barrier and fencing. The highest number of people on site at any one time is 200. Hyder Engineering will supply a day-by-day build and decommission program. The only time that the site will be actually shut down will be from the Wednesday night until the Sunday night of the event week.
Q. What about car testing?
A. This takes place on the Friday. The site is locked down between 8am-6pm. Friday will be a practice and qualifying day for V8 Supercars and Support Categories.
Q. What about P6 car park area?
A. P6- carnival site is a holding site for barriers. It will then be the pit area. P6 will form the V8SC Pit Paddock.
Q. Is the Awards Dinner going to be in the Park?
A. This will be up to the NSW Government to confirm. This is to be further discussed with government and stakeholders.
Q. Will there be any concerts at night?
A. Yes there will be a concert on the Saturday night. V8SC are currently investigating international acts to perform.
Q. The RAS is totally bounded by the race and the venue operate days a year. Can they still stage events during the race?
A. Those attending events can be accredited. After 6pm the racing is over and the venue open. Obviously we would prefer it you didn’t stage a major event at the same time as the race. However there are joint ticketing opportunities. V8SC has agreed to work with RAS to further opportunities and intend on using much of the RAS site.
Q. What about Regional Transport Services to reduce vehicles?
A. There will be an approved traffic plan. V8SC have agreed to implement a combined rail ticketing system. Additionally, we will be promoting Park-n-Ride. All initiatives will be implemented in conjunction with a fully certified traffic plan.
Q. What about the train station, how will that operate?
A. The train Station under the new design is now located outside the Event Precinct so therefore it can operate unimpeded.
Q. What numbers are you expecting?
A. We are expecting approximately 175,000 patrons over the 3 days with a maximum crowd in the order of 70-80,000 people per day.
Q. This raises security/terrorism concerns?
A. The government is not sharing any of this information with us. NSW Major Events will be working with the police to prepare a structured operation around the event. V8SC will be working in conjunction with all emergency services and government departments to ensure security concerns are addressed.
Q. What about access for Park staff during the event?
A. Pedestrian bridges will be built over the track at key locations from the train station.
Q. The removal and replacement of the median strips is an integral part of the streetscape which we have concerns over. Do you have any practical examples of how this has been handled?
A. MacIntosh Island in the heart of the Gold Coast (our Indy Track) is a good example of this. We want to demonstrate a good citizen approach to ensure a long contract (16 years on the Gold Coast and 10 years in Adelaide). We are currently working with the State Government and SOPA in regard to the final design for the removal and reinstatement of traffic islands.
Q. How many rooms will you require for accomodation?
A. This is difficult to actually estimate but experience tells us that we require approximately 1,800 rooms just for Teams/Officials and Media. We are expecting at least 10,000-11,000 interstate guests and up to 2,500 international guests. Added to this of course there will be considerable intrastate patrons and this will all add up to a major number of accommodation requirements throughout Sydney.
Q. What term are you talking about with the government?
A. Five plus five year option.
Q. Would consideration then be given for a Grand Prix is this location is successful?
A. No, firstly Melbourne has just resigned Formula 1 until 2015 inclusive at an estimated cost of $285 million and secondly, the proposed circuit that would be required for F1 would increase the cost considerably as all the roads would have to be redesigned and rebuilt. The safety margins are far greater for open wheel race cars.
Q. What about Albert Park?
A. For the F1 they built the track from ground up at a cost of around $120 million to the Victorian Government. Touring cars can handle bumpy surfaces. The proposed circuit at Homebush Bay does not require the extensive civil works program that Albert Park was required to deliver to conduct the F1 race.
Q. For 80,000 spectators what is the grandstand plan?
A. There will be a grandstand opposite the pit for 10,000. In Adelaide there is grandstand seating for 35,000 for F1 it is 32,000 and we are proposing 20,000 grandstand seats for Sydney Olympic Park. We are not taking out trees to erect these stands. Please refer to the circuit drawing attached which shows where grandstand and corporate facilities will be positioned.
Q. Will your other NSW races remain?
A. If V8SC are unsuccessful in obtaining a street race at Homebush Bay we will not be returning to Eastern Creek as we believe Eastern Creek no longer meets V8SC criteria and Oran Park will become a housing estate next year. We will continue of course with our race at Bathurst each October.
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Download the proposed Race Circuit map |
MAKING HEADLINES
Billboard ranks Acer Arena #3 in the world
Midyear charts has Acer Arena simply putting more bums on seats.
US music magazine Billboard has Australia’s Acer Arena ranked #3 in the world in the July 26th Mid -Year Charts issue.
Acer Arena was in elite company with AEG’s O2 Arena in London being the global leader with Madison Square Garden in New York filling the #2 position.
The ranking compiled from box office scores from mid November to mid May.
Acer Arena numbers were realised with performances in the period from Elton John, Hi-5, Bon Jovi, Hilary Duff, Iron Maiden, Backstreet Boys, Rod Stewart, Brooks & Dunn, Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, Maroon 5, Celine Dion, Disney’s High School Musical & the Foo Fighters.
Consistently featuring in the Top 10 Arena’s since 2005 Acer Arena is now one of the compulsory concert stops for all major touring artists.
Acer Arena General Manager David Humphreys said “the ranking confirms our position in the arena market and we are proud of our place on the world stage. Looking to the future it is as bright as one would hope. We have confirmed concert dates from Andrea Bocelli, Stevie Wonder, John Mellencamp/Shery Crow, Billy Joel, Panic at the Disco, Italian pop sensation Eros Ramazzotti, Judas Priest, Hi-5, Slipknot, Dora the Explorer, Def Leppard/Cheap Trick & Jumpmania (Monster Trucks) all before the end of the year, and there is more to be announced.
Billboard reported that the Acer Arena ranking resulted from a total gross in the period of US$27.9 million drawing 312,790 fans over 35 shows, more that 1 per week.
Acer Arena is owned by the NSW Government and the lease is owned by PBL Media. Acer arena is managed by Australian based AEG Ogden in a 50/50 arrangement with Los Angeles based AEG who also manage London’s O2 Arena.
In view of the current dates being held by promoters, next year does not show any signs of slowing either for the Sydney Olympic Park venue.
ANZ Stadium clean sweeps NRL's top 8
Following the bumper crowd of 21,818 that saw the Wests Tigers end South Sydney’s record five game winning streak recently – ANZ Stadium now boasts the top eight crowd attendances for NRL games played in Sydney this season.
The Bulldogs v Roosters clash in Round 4 attracted a massive 36,526 fans to ANZ Stadium and remains the biggest crowd for an NRL game ever in Sydney.
Since opening in 1999, millions of fans have supported their teams at ANZ Stadium and in the coming weeks ANZ Stadium will be celebrating a milestone with the five millionth rugby league fan through the gates.
“NRL fans have voted with their feet. Every team that has moved to ANZ Stadium has experienced increases in attendances. They also enjoy world class facilities, easy access to transport & parking, and a family friendly environment. We know these are the key ingredients for increasing fan support,” commented ANZ Stadium Managing Director & CEO Ken Edwards.
Source: http://stats.rleague.com/rl/rl_index.html
Venues announced for World Masters Games
The Sydney 2009 World Masters Games Organising Committee has formally announced the venues at which mature-age competitors from more than 100 countries will go for gold in 28 sports next year.
Sydney Olympic Park facilities will stage nine Sydney 2009 World Masters Games sports competitions - archery, athletics, badminton, diving, hockey, swimming, tennis, volleyball and weightlifting - when the seventh edition of the world's largest multi-sport event runs over nine days from 10-18 October.
Open to sportspersons of all abilities beyond young adulthood – the minimum age criterion is as low as 25 years for two sports and in no instance higher than 35 – the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games will offer a once-in-a-lifetime Olympic-style experience to local, national and international people.
"Sydney began the decade by staging the best-ever Olympic Games and will end it by staging the best-ever World Masters Games," says NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham West. "None of the previous World Masters Games host cities had a list of venues as good as those that will be used in Sydney next year."
To find out more about the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games, including how to register online as a competitor, visit www.2009worldmasters.com today. In addition to competitors, Games organisers are also looking to recruit 6,000 volunteers from the local community to help deliver the event.
OUT 'N ABOUT
NSW Swifts take out inaugural ANZ Championship at Acer Arena
Considering both the organisers of the inaugural ANZ Netball Championship Final and Acer Arena only had a week to plan the event at the Sydney Olympic Park venue, it was a huge success both on and off the court for the 12,000 plus crowd in attendance.
Unfortunately rain and cold weather prevented a world record crowd of more than 14,000 to watch the Swifts' 65-56 grand final victory. But there was a record breaking effort off the court to turn the venue around for netball.
A large operational team moved in as soon as the final performance of the Disney on Ice concluded around 4.30pm the day before
The team worked throughout the night to move the ice and install the court for the game which started at 7pm.The only tell-tale sign of the Disney show was the mountain of ice in the car park at the rear of Acer Arena.
Well done to all concerned! For a full match report click on the link.http://www.anz-championship.com/newsitem.asp?id=7051&orgid=2344
Photo courtesy of Michael Bradley
ACPE Graduation Night
On 25 July, the 2008 ACPE Graduation Ceremony night took place at the Sports Centre.
In total 235 students graduated on the night. Pictured is Dr Phil Hamdorf, ACPE Chief Executive Officer with one of the two Joint College Medal Winners, Melanie Van Zwietan.The other winner was Paul Salviani.
Master Plan Briefings
On the 21st and 23rd July Sydney Olympic Park management - Alan Marsh (CEO), Craig Bagley and Darlene van der Breggen briefed SOPBA members on Master Plan 2030.
Master Plan 2030 is on display in the Park at SOPA's office, 7 Figtree Drive until 18 August. On that day all submissions regarding the Master Plan need to be submitted for consideration.Likewise you view the plan via the SOPA website link:
http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/developing_sydney_olympic_park/master_plan_2030
Women in League luncheon at the Waterview
Rabbitohs coach Jason Taylor and Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello celebrated 100 years of women’s involvement in the game at the Harvey Norman Women in League lunch at The Waterview Convention Centre at Bicentennial Park.
Taylor and his wife Lana and Minichiello and his partner Terry Biviano were special guest panellists who joined more than 200 women from the grass roots of the game.
NRL CEO David Gallop, Panthers captain Petero Civoniceva and Luke Priddis, Wests Tigers duo Todd Payten and Dean Collis and Bulldogs Daniel Holdsworth and Reni Maitua were also be among the guests.
Pictured at the Women in League function is Bulldogs Reni Maitua and Daniel Holdsworth
Sydney Showground WYD hosts
Anywhere between 3,000 to 11,000 Pilgrims 'slept out' each night from 10th-24th July at the Sydney Showground during the recent World Youth Day in Sydney.
And some food for thought. The venue catering for the period included: total breakfasts distributed=82,394, back packs distributed=4,000, lunch packs=120 and suppers cooked and served=15,420
RSPCA Shelter wish list
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dragons Golf Day
Open the pdf attached to find details for the upcoming 2008 Dragons Chairman's Invitational Golf Classic at Camden Valley Golf Club Golf Day on 27 August.
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Dragons Golf Day |
NRL Double Header at ANZ Stadium
As part of the NRL’s ‘Glory Bound’ countdown to the Telstra Premiership Finals, a double header featuring Wests Tigers, Manly, the Bulldogs and Parramatta will be staged at ANZ Stadium in Round 24 on Saturday, 23 August.
Wests Tigers’ chances of repeating the end of season charge that took them to a Premiership in 2005 will be tested against last year’s Grand Finalists and this year’s Minor Premiership leaders Manly at 5.30pm while the Eels’ finals hopes will be tested against the Bulldogs at 7.30pm.
Second concert for Stevie Wonder at Acer Arena
One of contemporary music’s most iconic stars, the legendary Stevie Wonder, has announced a second concert at Acera Arena - 23 October 2008 - as part of his ‘A Wonder Spring Night’ tour . Stevie Wonder’s last national tour of Australia was in 1981.
The tour will feature an evening of music from Stevie, a performing and song writing tour de force who has received an astounding 25 Grammy Awards as well the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tickets are available now through Ticketek.
NEW FACES
New RAS President Appointed
Robertson beef cattle breeder Mr Glenn Dudley has been elected as President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), taking over from acting President Mr John Fairfax AM.
Since joining the RAS Council in July 1998, Mr Dudley has enjoyed a busy and successful history with the RAS. He has served on the Domestic Animals, Cattle and Strategic Planning Committees. Mr Dudley served as acting Chief Executive from June 2007 to November 2007, when he then took up the position of RAS Treasurer.
Mr Dudley says he looks forward to his new role as President and is excited about working with the Council and staff as the RAS continues to promote, foster and ensure the future of Australian agriculture through competition, education and events. “Encouraging the sustainable development of agriculture is fundamental to everything we do at the RAS.
Mr Dudley also sees a bright future in the Sydney Royal brand, particularly the Sydney Royal Wine,Dairy Produce and Fine Food Shows. “The RAS has established a solid reputation for superior and impartial judging over the years, and continues to set benchmarks in the standard of agricultural produce Australia-wide.
“Building on these competitions and promoting and rewarding excellence and innovation in Australia’s food and wine industries is key to our agenda.
The continued development of the Sydney Royal agricultural competitions will also be a major focus for the new President.
“I envisage a wider range of quality agricultural competitions both in and out of Show,” Mr Dudley said. “This will further assist the RAS to enhance Australia’s already diversified agricultural sector.
The RAS Foundation, which was launched at the 2008 Sydney Royal Easter Show, is another initiative Mr Dudley is passionate about.
“The youngest generation of regional and rural communities is vital to the future success of Australian agriculture,” Mr Dudley said. “The Foundation is actively seeking ways to develop and improve quality educational opportunities for these young people.”
P.S As the former acting CEO of the RAS, Glenn Dudley also sat on the SOPBA Board for a few months prior to the appointment of Peter King.
| For more information contact Sydney Olympic Park Business Association |
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| PO Box 6239 | ||
| Silverwater NSW 1811 | ||
| Tel +61 2 9746 1200 | ||
| sopba@bigpond.com.au | ||