A major emergency response exercise will be carried out at the Sydney Cricket Ground today to test emergency response arrangements, NSW Police say.
The joint activity between the SCG Trust and the NSW Police Force is supported by a range of emergency service agencies.
Members of the community will see an increase of emergency services on Driver Avenue, Moore Park, and are urged not to be concerned.
Commencing at 9am today (Sunday 19 November 2017) and concluding at midday, the exercise will involve the SCG Trust, NSW Police, Fire & Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance and more than 350 volunteers,
Sunday’s exercise is not as a result of recent incidents or threat but rather as part of the ongoing practice of emergency response arrangements and testing them to ensure they are robust and flexible.
NSW Police Metropolitan Field Operations, Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy, said today’s exercise is to test the response by all stakeholders to an emergency incident at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
"The exercise is designed to form part of the overall Emergency Management training program at the SCG," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
"We work closely with the SCG Trust to ensure those attending events at this iconic location can do so in a safe environment.
"It is also about police and other emergency service personnel becoming familiar with the SCG to ensure if they are required to respond, they can do so quickly and efficiently," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
SCG Trust CEO Mr Jamie Barkley said as one of Sydney’s major sporting and entertainment venues, the safety of the nearly two million patrons who visit the SCG and Allianz Stadium each year is our number one priority.
"Working with the NSW Police Force and other emergency services enables us to respond accordingly to any emergency incident.
"Sunday’s exercise provides the perfect opportunity to test the practices and systems already in place at the SCG and be confident when dealing with potential issues as we prepare for a busy summer of sport, including the New Year’s Test match which is Sydney’s largest annual sporting event," Mr Barkley said.
The importance of testing these arrangements cannot be understated.
"We strongly encourage all venues, stakeholders and event organisers to review and test their emergency response procedures.
"Having plans is one thing, but testing those arrangements with all partners involved in a realistic setting is imperative - we can’t leave it until something happens," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
Members of the public who reside near the Sydney Cricket Ground or travelling past today should be aware that there will be increased police and emergency service activity to facilitate this important exercise
