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Grand Prix To Attract Record Numbers

A record crowd is expected to attend this year’s GMC Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on Phillip Island, from 12 to 14 October.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 21st September 2007 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Events Coordinator, Frank Angarane, said the success of the Australian riders, particularly Casey Stoner is generating a lot of interest.

"We are definitely expecting a big crowd this year," confirmed Mr Angarane.

"Based on the ticket sales so far, we are estimating a 20-30 percent increase on last year’s crowd. The event is expected to be the biggest since the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix returned to Phillip Island in 1997."

As a result, Council, VicRoads, Victoria Police and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation have put together a significant traffic management plan.

"This year’s plan was put together after some traffic modelling by VicRoads," said Mr Angarane.

"The strategy is particularly targeting how to clear the Circuit at the end of the event and keep traffic moving smoothly as people try to get off the Island.

"All the car parks will be cleared using Back Beach Road with the exception of Paton’s car park, which mainly services Cowes," explained Mr Angarane.

"While this should help clear the Circuit, it will impact on anyone travelling to and from Cowes along Phillip Island Road, at the Back Beach Road intersection.

"The Blue Line will also be operation on Sunday afternoon, to help keep the traffic moving off the Island."

Mr Angarane said the Blue Line may also be implemented on Saturday afternoon, depending on crowd numbers.

As usual, Council is advising that anyone not attending the Grand Prix should avoid the area around the intersection of Phillip Island Road and Beach Beach Road on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, from around 3pm. There are also a number of other times across the weekend when a high volume of traffic is expected on our roads.

"On Thursday 11 October, the annual Barry Sheene ride from Bairnsdale to the Circuit will come through the Shire," reminded Mr Angarane.

"The ride attracts up to 1,000 bikes and comes through Inverloch, Wonthaggi and San Remo early on Thursday afternoon.

"The riders then do a lap of the Circuit before making their way into Cowes."

The exact times for the Barry Sheene ride will be available closer to the event and will be displayed on Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Mr Angarane said people also needed to remember the traditional motorcycle ride in from Cranbourne on the Saturday morning.

"Last year there were over 4,000 bikes, stretching for 15 kilometres," said Mr Angarane.

"The riders usually arrive at the Island around 11 am.

"These are both great events that always attracts a lot of spectators, but if you are planning on travelling anywhere along the route, you may need to factor in some extra time."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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