Police encourage responsible behaviour at the inaugural Repco Rally Australia
September 1, 2009
A strong and highly visible police presence, under the banner of ‘Operation Palisade’, will be deployed to northern NSW for the inaugural Repco Rally Australia 2009.
Police say the aim of this security operation is to maximise the safety and security of the public and competitors to help make the inaugural Repco Rally Australia 2009 a memorable one for the local community of northern NSW and to showcase the region to an international audience.
‘Operation Palisade’, under the Command of Superintendent Michael Kenny, will commence on Thursday 3rd September and conclude on Sunday 6th September. The operation will see a large contingent of police conduct a range of duties in the Shires of Tweed and Kyogle.
Police from across the State, including officers from the Highway Patrol, Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Police Air Wing and Dog Unit will also be utilised.
“We have been in consultation with representatives from Repco Rally Australia, the Roads and Traffic Authority, local councils and other stakeholders to minimise the disruption of normal community life while allowing this rally to be run in a safe, family-friendly environment,” said Superintendent Kenny.
“Local protest activities that have occurred over the past month have, of course, drawn the attention of police and the media. Police respect people’s rights to protest and voice their objections lawfully.
“Nonetheless, the safety of spectators, local residents, volunteers working the event, drivers and their support staff are of paramount importance.
“Those persons that conduct themselves in an orderly and lawful manner and do the right thing have nothing to worry about. However, as the Operations Commander, I make no apologies for taking whatever steps are required to prevent people from deliberately disrupting this event or endangering people’s safety.
“I still have concerns regarding the intention of some radical protest groups to disrupt the event using unlawful and unusual tactics.
“However, a protest organiser has proactively met police to discuss their activities in a collaborative fashion.
“Police recognise not only the right of anyone to protest but also the right of everyone else to freely go about their business during the rally.”
The PORS, Tactical Commander, will be working alongside the Operations Commander for this event. In the event that a significant public order or protest incident occurs, specialist police will be deployed to control the incident.
There will be no reduction in police presence in local townships. NSW Police will be flexible with staffing arrangements to ensure that we can respond quickly and appropriately to any eventuality.
Police would like to remind racegoers of the following general warnings and instructions:
Event security – not NSW Police Force personnel – will confiscate alcohol at checkpoints where alcohol is not permitted in special stages within the event precinct. Visit the www.rallyaustralia.com.au for all information.
Safety of spectators is paramount. Spectators must exercise personal responsibility and comply with all safety instructions and warnings by police and event organisers.
Alcohol and rally cars don’t mix! Limit your consumption of alcohol and ensure that you and your mates act responsibly in and around the rally stages.
Anyone engaging in anti-social/unlawful behaviour or behaviour that endangers the safety of spectators, drivers or Rally employees will be removed and possible legal action taken against them.
Police have also urged those travelling to and from the event to leave the high speed driving to the experts and not risk fines, loss of points or arrest from inappropriate, reckless or dangerous driving.
With thousands of motor sport enthusiasts expected to trek from around the world for the event, Police and RTA are encouraging motorists to plan their trip and expect delays on major routes and at some check points.
International visitors to New South Wales can visit the RTA website for information about the State’s road rules. All traffic information including road closures and clearways, together with maps, are available on the RTA website www.rta.nsw.gov.au or for traffic updates, contact 132 701.
* Picture courtesy of Rally Australia.
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- Volunteers sought for Rally Australia
- Tweed, Kyogle councils meet with minister over Repco Rally
- Repco Rally should not go ahead: Greens MLC
- State Government supports Repco Rally
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