NSW Premier Nathan Rees has been heckled by protesters, as he officially announced a new V8 Supercar event for Sydney Olympic Park.
Sydney will host an annual V8 Supercar race from December 2009 attracting around 100,000 fans to Sydney Olympic Park – 15,000 of those from interstate and overseas.
But the decision hasn’t been entirely welcomed, a group of about 10 noisy protesters heckled Premier Rees as he made the officials announcement.
Protesters, made up of resident groups and neighbouring councils are demanding the event be relocated to Eastern Creek instead, citing noise and environmental concerns.
Around 140 trees from around the circuit are being pulled out.
Premier Rees has also addressed concerns about his priorities – the state faces a massive budget deficit – he says the decision had to be made now to avoid losing the event to another state.