Sydney New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Security Measures Amid Bondi Attack Recovery
Key New Year’s Eve viewing sites in Sydney, including Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, reached capacity ahead of the highly anticipated fireworks display. NSW Premier Chris Minns urged residents to show defiance, calling for strength and resilience following the recent Bondi attack.
Security measures for the event include a police presence of more than 2,500 officers on the streets, some equipped with long-arm weapons, alongside additional public transport measures to manage the crowds. Transport for NSW expects over 1 million attendees and has planned more than 1,000 extra public transport services, representing about 40% above a normal day.
Public transport will operate for 46 hours, with central business district roads closing from noon and harbour-area train stations progressively closing from 3pm. Minns declined to comment in detail on tactical operations or the number of officers wielding long-arm weapons but assured that officers would be highly visible and embedded within crowds.
Regarding ongoing responses to extremism, Minns confirmed that NSW will proceed with a royal commission into antisemitism and extremism but did not comment on the prospect of a federal royal commission. Meanwhile, Ahmed al-Ahmed, identified as a hero from the Bondi attack, has been readmitted to hospital. Minns visited him and noted that although his injuries remain serious, his recovery has been remarkable.
