City should be more involved in preventing terrorist threat

MEDIA RELEASE

Shayne Mallard calls for City to be more involved in preventing terrorist threat

Liberal City of Sydney Councillor Shayne Mallard has called upon the Council to be more involved in the prevention strategies for a potential terrorist attack in the CBD.

"I will be asking Council's CEO to urgently consult with police on how Council can be a proactive player in helping to prevent any threat of terrorism in the City," Mallard said.

Councillor Mallard's call comes after the Prime Minister has announced his support for expanded surveillance cameras in Australia as an important tool in preventing and investigating potential acts of terrorism.

"Council has one of Australia's most extensive CCTV systems covering many of the streets of the CBD and monitored 24/7 by trained staff."

"They have been effective in preventing street crime in areas such as George Street."

"Council should urgently investigate whether the CCTV should be expanded and the operators further trained to identify potential terrorist activities on our city streets,"

Shayne Mallard noted that alarming holes are apparent in the City's CCTV system.

"The recent vandalism of the Martin Place Cenotaph revealed publicly that the area is not covered by CCTV. In this current environment it is irresponsible and dangerous for one of Australia's most historic and popular pedestrian precincts not to be covered by CCTV."

Shayne Mallard whilst noting that CCTV can play a role in detection, deterrence and investigation of any terrorist activity. He also acknowledges the legitimate concerns of privacy advocates.

"I will be seeking for the re-establishment of Council's CCTV over-view committee to monitor and protect privacy protocols that are in place."

Councillor Mallard will be asking the CEO to prepare a confidential briefing to Council on steps the City can take to work with other authorities in preventing a terrorist attack.

"Council services and staff are at the front line of community activity," he said.

"CCTV, the Council Rangers, building inspectors , garbage collectors and the many other day to day activities of the Council's 2000 workforce can all be eyes and ears in our efforts to prevent terrorist attacks in Sydney."

"Council also needs to be prepared to act in the unlikely event of an attack. There must be an integrated plan that can immediately swing into action in the horrible event of an attack in the city. "

"It is important for our 150,000 residents, and 600,000 daily workers and visitors to know that all levels of government are taking the threat very seriously and working co-operatively to protect public safety," Mallard concluded.


RELEASE ENDS
25 July 2005