Barriers to be erected in 2020 to protect Manly pedestrian zones from truck terror attacks
Northern Beaches Council has confirmed that barriers will be erected in Manly next year to prevent vehicle terror attacks.
Manly
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Bollards and other barriers will be installed around Manly next year to prevent vehicles being used as weapons by terrorists.
Northern Beaches Council has confirmed the barriers will be erected in areas with high pedestrian and tourist numbers — The Corso, Manly Wharf and the beachfront — by June 2020.
The council is now working with Northern Beaches Police and specialised security consultants to finalise locations for the bollards and other barriers that were expected to include mature trees and anchored planter boxes.
About $800,000 will be set aside for the project, which includes a $400,000 funding injection through a grant from the federal government’s Safer Communities Fund.
The council will contribute the rest of the money as part of its capital works program for this financial year.
It is also considering whether anti-vehicle barriers would be installed in other popular areas as part of a proposed broader Public Space Protection Plan.
The protective measures were first mooted by Liberal councillors Pat Daley and Dave Walton in 2017 in response to a number of terror attacks in Europe where trucks and other vehicles were used to mow down large gatherings of people.
Mackellar Federal Liberal MP Jason Falinski said he contacted the Home Affairs Minister urging that a grant be provided to improve security in pedestrian-heavy areas.
Mr Falinski said the bollards would provide protection to pedestrians around Manly Wharf and The Corso.
“Manly receives millions of tourists each year and in light of recent vehicle attacks across Europe, these types of barriers are very important.
“They are also a part of the government’s National Security Strategy.”
Mr Falinski said he and former Warringah MP Tony Abbott, worked to ensure appropriate funds were provided to the northern beaches.
Council CEO Ray Brownlee said it was working with the Northern Beaches Police Local Area Command and specialised consultants to develop a plan to install bollards and other infrastructure to protect high activity pedestrian areas from vehicle incursion around Manly.
“Areas under review include Manly Wharf, Manly Corso and the beach front,” Mr Brownlee said.
“Protection measures will be designed to be effective but also low-key and unobtrusive. They will be installed in a manner that minimises any impact to local businesses and public access.”