New South Wales police will be executing a large-scale anti-terror operation Sunday as millions converge on Sydney Harbour to watch its famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
Operation Narimba will be in full force, with ramped up police presence set to patrol crowds with the aid of canine and horse units, transport command, the Air Wing and Marine Command.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned on Friday high level security safeguards were something Sydneysiders would need to get used to seeing more of.
Anti-terror fixtures are set to be permanently installed throughout Sydney as police prepare for Operation Narimba – the largest single policing event of the year
With Fortress Sydney seeing police headquarters newly protected by steel bollards, giant fences and fortified foyers, Ms Berejiklian said similar measures would soon be the norm throughout the city.
‘There is no doubt that because the threat level has been at probable for some time, and given global events and even events around Australia, of course we have to be more aware,’ she told reporters at Sydney Police Centre Friday.
Ms Berejiklian revealed anti-terror features would now being designed into every new building and public structure in an effort to keep the public safe.
This includes concrete barriers to prevent lone-wolf attackers driving vehicles at pedestrians – something police say the city does not yet have enough of.
Ramped up police presence is set to patrol crowds with the aid of canine and horse units, transport command and the Air Wing and Marine Command for New Years Eve
‘Every time we plan something new we have to consider safety first — that’s become the way we manage the city and we manage the state,’ she said.
Although officers will be on high alert across the New Year’s weekend, Ms Berejiklian urged people to go about their business as normal.
Every top cop in the state will be on duty, with officers are set to carry M4 machineguns for the first time, plain clothes officers to mingle with crowds and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation will be monitoring known extremists.
The city is set for a dramatic face lift including temporary bollards, trucks blocking pedestrian areas, and undercover police and elite units with assault rifles patrolling heavily populated spots.
Sydney is set for a full-scale tactical surveillance takeover as the NSW Government and police force get ready to confront terror on New Year’s Eve
Thousands of uniformed, undercover and elite police forces will be monitoring the CBD, harbour and coastlines as threats of terror reach their highest levels.
Roads throughout the city will be blocked from vehicle attacks similar to the car that ploughed through pedestrians in Melbourne last week, killing one and injuring 18.
Police Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy confirmed police vehicles, semi-trailers and buses would be used as mobile barricades alongside concrete bollards, enabling crowds to move freely but stopping vehicles.
Ambulance officers have also been given maps to navigate their way through secret corridors in the event of an emergency.
The government and police have been planning the night for months and are confident they are equipped to handle any situation that presents itself