Key viewing spots for Sydney fireworks reach capacity as city urged to celebrate first New Year’s Eve since Bondi attack | Sydney
Thousands of people take over prime vantage points for New Year’s Eve fireworks; Chris Minns asked Sydneysiders to “square your shoulders, puff out your chest and step out” in a show of defiance following the Bondi attack.
Significant viewing sites were already in place, including Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. at capacity Wednesday morning.
The New South Wales premier said police had introduced “extra measures” for the city’s public transport system, which most people are expected to use before and after Wednesday’s celebrations. He said this was in addition to the presence of more than 2,500 police officers, including those armed with long-armed weapons, on Sydney’s streets.
“We need to show strength and resilience during this period,” Minns said Wednesday. “And if that means you square your shoulders, puff out your chest, and step out despite the real concern of the community, I think we have an obligation to do that.”
Transport Minister John Graham said Transport NSW expects more than a million people to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the city. free viewing sites around the harbor.
“More than a thousand extras [public transport] “Services will continue, this means a 40% increase on a normal day,” he said.
Public transport services will operate uninterruptedly for 46 hours, roads in the CBD will be closed from noon and train stations close to the port will also be activated. It gradually closes from 15.00.
Minns said police were on “high alert” and extra precautions were being taken on public transport, but he declined to elaborate on tactical operations.
He did not comment on the number of officers carrying long arms but confirmed they would be deployed among crowds rather than in tactical positions.
“They will be operational and highly visible,” he said.
Calls for royal commission
Minns refused to comment on whether a federal royal commission into the Bondi attack should be established after the Daily Telegraph reported that state opposition leader Kellie Sloane had called on the prime minister to lobby Anthony Albanese to set up a commission.
“Them [the federal government] “We’ve made our decision, we’re moving forward with the royal commission in NSW,” Minns said.
“This is not something that will be over in 20 days, 30 days. We believe there needs to be fundamental change in NSW to tackle antisemitism and extremism in our society.”
Minns, who visited Ahmed al-Ahmed after he was hospitalized again on Tuesday, said he would respect the Bondi hero’s privacy but added that the 43-year-old was “recovering”.
“His injuries are very serious… he was in danger of not making it and his recovery has been remarkable.”
