Advertisement

MCG installs anti-terror fence

Getty

Getty

The Melbourne Cricket Club has heightened security at one of the busiest sporting grounds in the city, following terror attacks in Paris.

Fans arriving at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday for the Big Bash game between the Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Thunder will have to undergo extra security checks at access points along a 1.8m-high perimeter fence.

• ‘Barbaric’ dog breeders fined
• Far-right French leader Tweets grisly IS images
• ‘Climate change at work’ as states swelter

“[The measures] come as Australia’s most iconic stadium seeks to provide a safer environment for all patrons, following the terrorist incident in Paris in November, and particularly at the Stade de France,” a statement from the MCC read.

MCC CEO Stephen Gough confirmed there was “no localised threat” to the ground and were providing an “extra layer of security and comfort” for patrons.

“We will monitor the introduction at Sunday night’s BBL and make adjustments for the Boxing Day Test as necessary,” he said.

“We are also in discussions with the AFL about stadium security at their matches next season.”

The perimeter fence would be installed about 20 to 25 metres out from the stadium.

In a press conference on Thursday, Assistant Police Commissioner Stephen Leane said it was better to separate entry to the ground from the stadium.

“From a counter-terrorism point of view, if we have explosions, the further away from the solid object the better outcome it’s going to be for the people surrounding,” he said.

“From that simple point of view it’s quite ugly to think through it, but it’s a reality.”

It said cars in Yarra Park would also be required to park at least 25 metres behind the fence, leaving 500 fewer car spaces.

Vehicles parked under the stadium would also be searched before entering.

– with ABC

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.