Overdue maintenance is promised for the legendary race circuit if the Nationals candidate – and the Federal Opposition – win at next month’s election.
Nearly $15 million to upgrade the iconic Mount Panorama, Bathurst race track has been pledged by National Party candidate Sam Farraway ahead of the 2025 Australian Federal Election.
Farraway is sitting for the federal seat of Calare – an area including the famous Bathurst circuit – and has promised to fund upgrades to the track if both he and the Federal Opposition are voted in on May 3.
The seat is currently held by Andrew Gee, who won the seat as a member of the Nationals in 2016 before leaving the party to become an independent member in late 2022.
“Mount Panorama brings in over $32 million a year to the local economy and supports jobs across the Central West,” Farraway said on social media.
“But after a recent safety inspection the track is overdue for critical repairs. Without this funding, Bathurst risks losing its racing crown.”
That includes resurfacing the 6.213km layout – last carried out in 2014 – after a plan to conduct the work early this year fell through as the $10 million required from the current Federal Government didn’t materialise.
“This $14.9 million investment will enable Bathurst Regional Council to carry out essential works, including circuit resurfacing, kerb replacements, tyre barrier upgrades, and critical improvements to communications, electrical, and civil infrastructure,” Farraway said.
The previous plan – announced by Bathurst Regional Council as part of its draft budget in April 2024 – included $1.7 million for tyre barrier updates, $1 million for work on the Conrod Straight tunnel (which provides access to the inside of the track).
A provisional $150,000 was planned for catch fencing, plus a $150,000 infrastructure reserve, but the track surface was – and remains – the key issue.
“The nature of that surface is that it is supposed to be replaced every 10 years and we are actually at that time now where the surface is due [for] its replacement,” Aaron Jones, from Bathurst Regional Council, explained to the local Western Advocate newspaper in April 2024.
“The need for the works associated with the tyre walls, it was identified at our track safety inspections that we need to start giving some attention to those tyre walls.
“Whilst we have been able to retain a track licence, we are wary as to how long that licence would be retained if we did not do anything.”
Mr Jones resigned from his long-standing position as the council’s finance director on April 11, 2025.
Drainage also became an issue for the circuit – which is also a public road when not closed for an event – during the 2022 Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercars race when drivers had to negotiate large pools of water for extended periods after a downpour.
As well as the Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama also hosts the annual Bathurst 12 Hour – won this year by BMW – and 2025 Bathurst 6 Hour due to take place over the Easter weekend on April 18-20.
Image credit: Getty Images
The circuit precinct also contains the National Motor Racing Museum, which recently helped Ford Australia celebrate its 100th anniversary by supplying several historic race cars for the car maker’s event.
“Given the tough financial position of Bathurst Council, this funding means they can focus on other local priorities – while we make sure the track stays safe, licensed and race-ready for years to come,” Farraway said.
“This investment will ensure the track meets modern standards, allowing the Bathurst 1000 and other major events to continue thriving.”
