Doubts aired on terror barriers at police community forums

Police have shown community representatives a YouTube video of a truck crashing through concrete blocks.

Concrete blocks have been installed in the Brisbane’s Queen St Mall. Picture: AAP

Police have shown community representatives a YouTube video of a truck crashing through concrete blocks, demonstrating the potential ineffectiveness of the barriers in the event of a determined terrorist attack.

The video was played at a forum in which Queensland police briefed representatives of venues such as stadiums, shopping centres, schools and nightclubs about the threat of terrorism in areas where people gather in large numbers, The Australian has been told.

It has been viewed more than 70,500 times and shows a truck being driven through barriers, with an accompanying caption claiming: “German Anti Terror Truck Concrete Blocks proven to be USELESS in Crash Test”.

One person who attended the forum said police “showed the video and said some measures are visual measures”.

“The message was that the 1 per cent who are going to do it are going to do it. But having it in place deters the 99 per cent ­entertaining the idea,” said the forum delegate, who did not want to be named. “The bollards act as a visual deterrent, not necessarily a physical one.”

Concrete barriers have been placed at landmarks and places of mass gatherings across the country in a bid to stop vehicles being used in attacks.

Queensland police declined to be interviewed about the purpose of showing the video at the forum but issued a brief statement in response to questions from The Australian.

“Bollards are one of a range of security measures to deter and disrupt serious incidents involving hostile vehicles in crowded places as outlined in Australia’s Strategy for Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism,” the statement reads.

Ten forums will be held across Queensland before the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April. One officer said he was aware the video had been cited but not shown at a number of forums.

After The Australian yesterday revealed bars and clubs in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley had been asked to prepare “terror kits” in case of an attack, police released a statement saying “public safety is the top priority”.

“This includes managing risks associated with crowded places such as stadiums, shopping centres, pedestrian malls and major event precincts,” the statement reads.

“In line with Australia’s Strategy for Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism, the QPS is partnering with government agencies and the private sector to better protect crowded places.

“The QPS is conducting crowded places forums across Queensland to foster local networks and provide operators of crowded places with important security information about being prepared and mitigating risks for all hazards.

“Being security minded and better prepared could not only deter an attack, it can ­reassure customers and staff that those responsible for crowded places are taking security ­seriously.”

A checklist sent to the ­valley’s licensed venues last week suggests they stock waterproof bags with a first-aid kit, megaphone, camera, gloves and even a whistle and glow sticks.