Sydney is bracing for record crowds this New Year’s Eve and as such, around 3,000 police officers will monitor celebrations across Sydney by land, sea and air, in what authorities say is the most extensive security operation ever mounted for the event.
Premier Chris Minns said the government was preparing for the heavy turnout, but acknowledged he expected fewer families to attend following the December attack at Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead and dozens injured.
Specialist police officers will be equipped with long-arm firearms on Wednesday not in response to any specific threat, but as a precautionary measure to reassure families, 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.
Lanyon said police were under staffing pressure, with around 2,000 positions currently vacant, adding that recruitment and retention remain major priorities for NSW Police.
Minns rejected suggestions that the visible presence of firearms — rarely seen on Sydney streets — would heighten public anxiety. Speaking on Monday, the premier said Sydney’s security approach would need to evolve, drawing comparisons with cities such as Paris, where police were deployed with assault rifles following a terrorist attack in 2015.
Despite the unprecedented police presence and visible use of firearms, Minns encouraged families not to be deterred by terrorism and to continue celebrating 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.”
In addition to bolstering local police numbers, Minns has previously said he would not rule out seeking military assistance to help protect Jewish communities in Sydney. Asked about the possibility on Tuesday, the premier said he could not yet specify what form that support might take, but confirmed NSW Police would meet with Commonwealth agencies later in the day to discuss further assistance.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said defence personnel have traditionally not been deployed on city streets for domestic security, but noted the Australian Federal Police was providing specialist support to state police, including surveillance capabilities.
The 15 people killed in the Bondi attack will be commemorated during Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks with a minute’s silence at 11pm, as the Harbour Bridge is illuminated in white and a menorah is projected onto its pylons.
At 9pm in Coogee, 15 single fireworks will be launched ahead of the main display, each representing a life lost in the attack.
The community reception centre in Coogee, set up to support families affected by the shooting, will open for its final day tomorrow before closing in the new year. Ongoing support will be available at the Reconstruction Authority–operated hub at the Bondi Pavilion, which will close for the public holiday and reopen on January 2.
Eight victims of the shooting remain hospitalised across Sydney, including two who are listed as critical but stable.
The post A Record 3000 Cops To Be Deployed On New Year’s In Sydney As City Braces For Largest Crowds appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
