Counter-terrorism police say rogue vehicle attacks are one of the most serious threats to Australian’s safety – and subtle measures are being rolled out to keep our biggest city safe.
Sydney’s most prominent landmarks are major targets for would-be terrorists, and seemingly innocuous methods are being used to limit the impact of any attacks.
Rodger Watson from Designing Out Crime has been advising councils and the government on how to lower the risk of terrorist attacks.
Sydney’s most prominent landmarks are major targets for would-be terrorists, and seemingly innocuous methods are being used to limit the impact of any attacks (Sydney Opera House pictured)
The Sydney Opera House, major stadiums like ANZ Stadium (pictured), tourist sports such as Bondi Beach and iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge are all potential targets
‘Things like public furniture, things like nice landscaping… all of those things can be used smartly to reduce the impact of a terror attack,’ he told 9 News.
The Sydney Opera House, major stadiums like ANZ Stadium, tourist sports such as Bondi Beach and iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge are all potential targets, and counter-terroism measures are being set up to minimise risk.
Bollards under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and planter boxes at Bondi Beach are examples of those measures in the Harbour City.
Fountains at the Opera House and Martin Place are in place to slow vehicles down, while raised surfaces, garden beds, stairs and chicanes are also effective ways at stopping rogue vehicle attacks.
Fountains at the Opera House and Martin Place (pictured) are in place to slow vehicles down, while raised surfaces, garden beds, stairs and chicanes are also effective ways at stopping rogue vehicle attacks
Crowded places such as Bondi Beach (pictured) continue to be targets for terrorists, as has been evidenced overseas during attacks on Bastille Day in Nice, France, at Westminster Bridge in London and in Barcelona
Crowded places continue to be targets for terrorists, as has been evidenced overseas during attacks on Bastille Day in Nice, France, at Westminster Bridge in London and in Barcelona.
‘They see hostile vehicle attacks as cheap, easily accessible, and most people have drivers’ licences,’ Superintendent Jon Beard from the New South Wales Police counter-terrorism squad said.
Counter-terrorism police say rogue vehicle attacks are one of the most serious threats to Australian’s safety (Sydney Harbour Bridge pictured)