Melbourne Cup 2017: Terror fears force security crackdown

ANTI-terror measures to thwart rogue vehicle attacks will be enforced at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the crackdown revealed just hours after the latest attack in New York. Extra bollards will also be installed for the city parade.

ANTI-terror measures to thwart rogue attacks using vehicles will be deployed at Flemington Racecourse during the Melbourne Cup Carnival in a major effort to keep racegoers safe.

Bollards will be installed along the route of Monday’s Melbourne Cup Parade in the city centre as part of the security crackdown.

FURTHER READING: All you need to know about the Melbourne Cup

It will extend to transport hubs and pubs across the city.

Victoria Police won’t detail what anti-attack measures which will be used at Flemington for security reasons.

They will be in place to prevent “vehicle incursion”.

Racegoers can expect tight security at Flemington this Cup carnival. Picture: David Caird

Vehicles have been used in string of mass terror attacks overseas including this morning’s New York rampage which has left at least eight people dead.

Supt David Clayton said there was no specific threat to the event but authorities remained in constant contact with counterparts across Australia and overseas.

“We learn from what’s happening overseas and we ensure that we use any intelligence that is relevant to inform us to ensure we have an appropriate and proportional security environment at an event,’’ Supt Clayton said.

“In terms of a hostile vehicle incursion into the event we plan and we have contingencies and we have measures in place to mitigate against that.”

Every racegoer will be scanned with metal detectors and have their bags checked.

Police also promised a strong presence in the areas surrounding Flemington, transport hubs and throughout the CBD.

Fans get a glimpse of the Melbourne Cup during last year’s parade. Extra bollards will be in place for this year’s big event. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Thousands are expected to again line CBD streets for the Cup parade. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

‘YOU CAN’T TURN THE CITY INTO A FORTRESS’: ASHTON

In light of the deadly vehicle attack in New York, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said police were trying to learn from overseas terrorist incidents to ensure Melbourne is protected as much as it can be.

“It is very concerning,” Mr Ashton said.

“It is a worldwide issue and Victoria is not immune to that. We have just got to be alert to it.

“We have been working on the bollards and they have been going ahead leaps and bounds.

“The longer term solutions are well underway.

“For us we just want to make sure we provide a really strong police coverage in the city and make sure security and CCTV cameras are all operating in concert.

“We are acting quickly. We have got a strong police presence in the city all the time with a quick response in mind.

“From a threat perspective we have been saying for some time, you can see it around the world, the threat from a lone person with a vehicle can happen very quickly now.

“In previous years we would have been looking, in relation to terrorism acts, looking at larger plots.

“That can still exist but you can now see individuals can act very quickly and that raises the threat for us and makes the job more complex but it is one we have planned (for).

“The young fella on Grand Final Day, we were there within 30 seconds. We were at the scene last night (in Bourke St) when that event occurred and took quick action there as well.”

White and orange plastic bollards on Princes Bridge in the city. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr Ashton said authorities had to balance introducing protective measures such as bollards with the need to keep the city open for traders to come and go.

“It is a question of balance,” he said, as he launched the Chief Commissioner’s Youth Summit at the MCG on Wednesday morning.

“You still have to get access to those areas, there is a lot of trade happening with delivery vans and getting other vehicles in.

“You can’t turn the city into a fortress. That is not good for Melbourne or for people living in Melbourne who want to go about living their lives.

“You have to make sure you provide the appropriate protections in a balanced way that continues to make Melbourne a very confident place to live in.”

Mr Ashton said he had sent the Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism, Ross Guenther, overseas to learn what other countries have been doing to combat terror.

“We are always trying to learn from what has gone on overseas,” Mr Ashton said.

“We want to make sure that where good ideas are being employed internationally we are seeing those.

“Some of the things we are doing with the bollards for example and at other venues just like at the MCG ... (they) have all been (inspired) from overseas and (brought) into Melbourne.”

HUGE CROWD EXPECTED FOR CUP CARNIVAL

Victoria Racing Club interim chief executive Neil Wilson said ticket sales were tracking ahead of last year, especially for the Cup and Derby Day where as many as 100,000 people are expected.

More than 300,000 fans were expected across the carnival.

“We are really thrilled — delighted — with how we’re sitting,’’ Mr Wilson said.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed on the weather which is looking pretty good and we’re really starting to feel the energy in the place and can’t wait until Saturday morning.”

Redevelopment of the Club Stand has posed challenges with some general admission areas making way for members although capacity will be on par with last year.

A new lawn area and temporary facility on the Club Stand side to assist was only completed overnight.

Preparations will reach fever pitch on Friday afternoon with some 10,000 workers on site.

Fans were urged to keep their drinking in check with DrinkWise staff at the course to spread the message.

Water and thongs will be given out at a marquee for punters to sober up while waiting for an Uber.