What does the future hold for Melbourne?1:02
Future Melbourne editor Nick Richardson details the Herald Sun's in-depth investigation into what's next for Victoria's capital.
Security fence could be built around entire Melbourne sports precinct
A SECURITY fence may one day be built around the entire Melbourne sports precinct in a bid to combat terrorism.
The MCG plus Rod Laver, Margaret Court and Hisense arenas, and AAMI Park could be surrounded by a perimeter barrier if threat levels against sports fans escalate in the future.
A fence around the MCG was trialled at cricket matches last year but dumped before the AFL season after failing to live up to police and security expectations.
But if terror risks increase, MCC chief Stephen Gough said a barrier might one day be built around our iconic sports venues in a bid to keep the community safe.
He said the “ring of steel’’ trialled at Test and Big Bash matches last year and a similar structure built for the 2006 Commonwealth Games could envelope the entire precinct.
“It could be easy to construct that way if the security levels demanded such a solution’’ he said.
“Let’s hope that it stays or gets better than where it is now so we can go back to a more normal existence.
“But you have to be ready.’’
Australia’s most iconic stadium beefed up security following last year’s Paris terror attacks, which included three suicide bombers trying to wreak havoc at a soccer match at the Stade de France.
Mr Gough said the two- week Australian Open, AFL Grand Final and Boxing Day Test “would be a pretty big target’’ for terrorists and ``security issues’’ had to be taken seriously.
“Given the climate, what would be those measures you would have to look at to ensure that you are adequately dealing with a terror threat?’’ he said. “I don’t know what the threat level will be in 25 years — better or worse.
“But if it’s worse, what are those steps? Maybe it could be sealing off the whole of Yarra Park so that on a game day, it can be totally sealed.’’
Mr Gough said such a wall would be “very hard to do’’, considering the combination of parkland, traffic and public transport in the precinct.
“But they’re the sorts of things ... you would have to look at as part of your whole procedure,’’ he said.
