Australia Day security arrangements

Journalist’s enquiry: Is the City of South Perth planning any new measures for this Australia Day, particularly in terms of security? Will facial recognition and ANPR technology be used? Will the alcohol free zones remain the same as previous years, or will there be more or less of them this year? In terms of traffic management, will any measures like extra roadblocks, specialised trucks, crash cushioning devices and water filled barriers be used to prevent a potential hostile vehicle attack?

Please attribute the following statement to the City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty. 

The City of South Perth undertakes its security planning in line with the nationally endorsed strategies for crowded places and in conjunction with police and emergency services. 

Strategies to enhance security arrangements at events are updated annually in the City’s Australia Day Risk Management Plan.

Our City’s Australia Day events and Celebration Zone supported by Lotterywest offer all members of the community the opportunity to come together and enjoy Australia Day in a safe, alcohol and smoke free environment.

Spanning over 10 hectares along the South Perth Foreshore, there will be a range of food vendors and ample shade and picnic areas for families to enjoy. All activities in the Celebration Zone will wrap up at 7.30pm to allow visitors to find a spot to watch the City of Perth Skyworks fireworks display at 8pm.

New activities in the Celebration Zone this year include Stunt Jump, Basket Connect 4, Airbrush Tattoos and the Big Wedgie water slides plus lots more. Roving entertainers and performers will Balloon Artistry by Aaron Smith, Samba Band Beleza Samba, Puppeteers from DNA Puppetry, Hey Presto Magician, Hula Lula Ladies Band, Shrinking Violet Stilt Walkers and the Dinosaur Kids Train.

We strongly encourage people to consider using public transport on the day. The City provides a free shuttle service between George Burnett Leisure Centre (GBLC) in Manning Road, Karawara, the Civic Centre in South Perth and the event zone. The shuttle buses will run approximately every 10 minutes back and forth between 2-9.30pm, but not during the fireworks (7.30-8.30pm). Both GBLC and the Civic Centre are easily accessible from the Kwinana Freeway and have ample parking facilities.