Bollard security boost for Melbourne CBD

BOLLARD-like security measures will soon be installed around Melbourne’s CBD as police and security services look to protect the city against a London-style terror attack.

BOLLARD-like security measures will soon be installed around Melbourne’s CBD as police and security services look to protect the city against a London-style terror attack.

Weeks after the Bourke St massacre proved how easy it would be for a terrorist to cause deadly carnage in the city, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said work to improve security to deter terror attacks was well under way.

One plan being considered is the installation of safety measures that perform the same function as traditional bollards, but are more aesthetically pleasing.

Mr Ashton said he was keen not to turn Melbourne into a “fortress” and wanted people to still be able to move freely and enjoy the city.

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Bag and body checks take place at the MCG as security is ramped up in the wake of the London terrorist attack. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty

“We have had a group involving us, Melbourne city council and Yarra Trams working on this,” Mr Ashton said on radio yesterday.

“You will see more security treatments but the important thing is we don’t want to turn Melbourne into a fortress, we want people to be able to come in and out and enjoy the city.

“We don’t want it to look like a fortress so the designs and how things are put in place ... you may not necessarily be looking at a bollard but it might perform the same role as a bollard.”

Premier Daniel Andrews said the thoughts and prayers of all Victorians were with those affected by the London attack.

“Many Victorians would have visited that same spot and will be familiar with it,” he said.

He said he had spoken to Mr Ashton, who had assured him there would be enough police to protect this weekend’s F1 Grand Prix.

Security was also beefed up in the nation’s capital yesterday amid fears Parliament House could be a terror target.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the Australian Federal Police had increased security at parliament in the wake of the “assault on democracy” in London.

Mr Turnbull shared his “heartfelt sympathy and resolute solidarity” with the people of the UK as he urged Australians to be “clear-eyed” about the risk of terrorism.

Security is bumped up at Parliament House in Canberra after the London terror attack. Picture: Kym Smith

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