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About 3000 officers will be keeping an eagle eye on celebrations across Sydney from the water to the sky, in what police have described as the most comprehensive security arrangements ever conducted on New Year’s Eve.
Premier Chris Minns said while the government was preparing for more revellers than ever, in reality, he expected fewer families to join the celebrations after the December Bondi Beach attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens more.
Fortunato Foti loads barges at Glebe Island ahead of the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
Police officers will carry long-arm guns on Wednesday not because of any specific threat to the community, but rather to keep families feeling safe, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.
“We want to make sure that the community know they can come to these events safely, we’re prepared to put as many police as we need to make that happen,” Lanyon said.
Minns denied that the presence of guns rarely seen in Sydney streets would contribute to the feeling of unease in the community. On Monday, the premier said security measures in Sydney would need to change, similar to cities such as Paris where police officers were armed with assault rifles after a 2015 terrorist attack.
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Despite the record police presence and show of firearm force, Minns urged families to not give in to terrorism and instead celebrate around Sydney Harbour.
“I am concerned about a drop in number, being honest about it, I think that would be understandable but a real shame because this is a beautiful city,” Minns said.
“I’m just hoping that there’s a degree of joy and fun for families after what’s been a very, very tough December.”
Along with an increased local police presence, Minns has previously said he would not rule out requesting support from the army to protect Jewish communities in Sydney. When asked on Tuesday, the premier said he could not be more precise about what support he would want from the defence force, but said the NSW Police would meet with the Commonwealth agencies later in the day to discuss more support.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said defence personnel historically would not be put on the streets for domestic security purposes, but said the Australian Federal Police was providing speciality support to local police, including with surveillance.
The 15 victims of the Bondi massacre will be honoured during the city’s fireworks display with one minute’s silence at 11pm, during which the Harbour Bridge will be bathed in white light and a menorah projected on the pylons.
“I will invite people at home and around the harbour to join with us by shining a torch or a light in solidarity,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. “Following the minute silence, a projection of the peace dove and the words Peace and Unity will be shown on the pylons.”
At 9pm in Coogee 15 solitary fireworks will light up the sky before the usual display to remember each individual life lost.
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