Vivid 2017: Sydney security on high alert after London terror attack

UPDATE (10:13 a.m. AEST): Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop has confirmed through ABC’s Radio National that three Australians were injured in the London terror attack that took place on Saturday night. Those who were affected included a Darwin man named Andrew Morrison and a Brisbane woman named Candice Hedge. Consular staff in London continues to obtain information about the third Aussie caught up in the attack.

Security is heightened amid Sydney's Vivid festival following the London terror attack. Authorities wear high-visibility jackets to boost their presence, making use of buses, cars and fire engines as barricades.

NSW police has confirmed that Australia’s terror threat level stays at “probable” following the attack in central London in which three terrorists killed seven people in a van and knife rampage. Police continues to ensure the safety of people as millions go out to see the display of lights on Sunday night.

Some New South Wales police officers were trained in an “active shooter” course, which is intended to neutralise lone wolf terror attacks. Greater security is also observed prior to US Secretary of Defense James Mattis' visit to Down Under this week.

Counter terrorism minister David Elliott told 7 News that there are contingencies and that the police are always reviewing security and all information they obtain. So far, no particular threat has been identified.

Vivid Sydney 2017

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian assured those who wanted to see Vivid over the festival's 23 nights that they should not be scared. Over two and a half million individuals were expected to attend Sydney's Vivid festival.

“Of course we should always be aware but we shouldn't be deterred from doing what we love to do most,” Berejiklian said. Premier Daniel Andrews said that a greater police presence was also boosted in Melbourne around Federation Square and Queen Victoria market. He told the Herald Sun that events like this are a reminder to remain vigilant.

Last month, The Australian reported that water bollards, aerial surveillance and random backpack checks would be used to ensure the safety at Sydney’s harbour foreshore. Acting Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said the police would “saturate” the Vivid with more sniffer dog patrols.

Fitzgerald added that there would be police “in the air, on land and in the water to make sure people stay safe and secure.” He explained that the force would utilise a “high-visibility policing strategy," which would include aerial surveillance and water-filled barriers to stop vehicle attacks.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance urged people to utilise the 9,000 additional public transport services on offer as he warned about “carmageddon.” NSW Minister for Tourism Adam Marshall forecasted the festival to attract nearly 2.5 million people and make more than $110 million for the local economy this year, nine years following its inception. Music concerts, talks and light displays were in place across the city at various indoor and outdoor venues.