The iconic Sea Cliff Bridge in the Illawarra will be closed to traffic this Sunday, December 7, after police authorised a pro-Palestine protest march to proceed across the landmark structure.
Police Operation for Planned March
Transport for NSW and NSW Police are finalising the exact closure times following their approval of the Wollongong Friends of Palestine group's application. The protest is scheduled to begin at 1pm from Clifton, with participants marching across the bridge to Coalcliff.
A police spokeswoman stated that the authorisation followed legal advice and consultations with organisers. A dedicated police operation will be in place to manage the mobile assembly, aiming to maintain public safety and minimise disruptions.
"Police will not tolerate unlawful behaviour or any actions that risk the safety of others and will not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone who commits a criminal offence," the spokeswoman said. She emphasised that while police support the right to peaceful assembly, their primary duty is the safety of the wider community.
Historic Landmark as a Protest Site
This is not the first time the bridge, a famous location for car commercials and tourist photos, has been closed for a protest. In 2012, approximately 3000 people marched across it to demonstrate against coal seam gas exploration.
Last month, Wollongong Friends of Palestine spokeswoman Safaa Rayan explained the tactic of choosing prominent landmarks. She said marching across the Sea Cliff Bridge would be "historic" and sends a powerful message to the government.
"Marching across the most prominent place as possible with as many numbers as possible, says to our government that we don't want to be a country that continues to be complicit in the genocide, that we want to see a stop to the two-way arms trade," Ms Rayan said.
Logistics and Community Impact
The Wollongong Friends of Palestine group has organised regular demonstrations since the conflict in Gaza escalated following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. Initially, organisers anticipated around 200 participants for Sunday's event, but acknowledge numbers could grow.
Ms Rayan noted that those marching are also community members, even as the action may inconvenience motorists. The police operation will involve officers from the Wollongong Police District, assisted by the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and other specialist units.
Final details regarding the bridge closure times are expected to be released shortly following the inter-agency meeting.
