New South Wales police have pledged a significant operational presence to ensure public safety at a planned pro-Palestine protest on the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge this weekend, following serious crowd control concerns at a major rally in Sydney earlier this year.
Policing response prepared for Sunday rally
The demonstration, organised by the Wollongong Friends of Palestine, is scheduled for Sunday, December 7. Participants will gather at 1pm in Leeder Park, Coalcliff, before marching across the bridge and concluding at Rube Hargrave Park.
During a visit to the South Coast, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that officer safety and public security were the foremost considerations. "The safety of the public's paramount," Commissioner Lanyon emphasised.
The police response will include specialist units such as the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command. Road closures and diversions will be in effect from 1:45pm until 3:15pm, with motorists advised to avoid the area between 1pm and 3:30pm to minimise disruption.
Lessons from Sydney's harbour bridge rally
The police approach is informed by a large pro-Palestine rally on the Sydney Harbour Bridge on August 3. Official estimates placed attendance at 90,000, though organisers claimed between 200,000 and 300,000 participants.
The event raised major safety alarms, with police fearing a potential crowd crush. Authorities resorted to sending geo-targeted text messages urging protesters to halt their advance. In the aftermath, acting deputy commissioner Peter McKenna described the situation as having come "very close" to a "catastrophic situation."
Commissioner Lanyon acknowledged the "enormous" numbers seen in Sydney and assured that police were prepared for the Sea Cliff Bridge event. "We have a significant policing response present, we'll be able to move that," he said.
Organisers expect hundreds, police plan for emergencies
Wollongong Friends of Palestine spokeswoman Safaa Rayan said the group was expecting between 200 to 250 people from across the Illawarra and Southern Highlands, noting widespread community interest.
Commissioner Lanyon confirmed police would work cooperatively with organisers on the day. "If we need to do something, if we need to give them directions on where to go and whether they can keep moving or stop or whatever, we work very closely with them," he explained.
He also addressed contingency plans for emergencies, confirming that arrangements were in place to allow ambulance access across the bridge if required. "Should a situation arise, there are other ways for emergency services vehicles to get in. But, if there was a genuine emergency... we would work closely with protesters to ensure that we get emergency services vehicles through," Commissioner Lanyon stated.
The approved protest highlights continued community activism regarding the Palestine issue, with police balancing the right to demonstrate against their core mandate of ensuring public order and safety on a major coastal roadway.
