The Queensland Police Service (QPS), the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) and Australian Government security partners are ready to deliver a safe and secure Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), Queensland Police say.
In less than ten days, the largest sporting event Queensland has seen this decade will take place on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.
With a combined security workforce of approximately 10,000 people, a range of world-class security strategies, access to cutting-edge technology and new public safety legislation, police are confident of dealing with any security issues that might arise.
Overall Police Commander for the Commonwealth Games, Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewki, said that people thinking about visiting the Gold Coast or other event cities to disrupt the Games should think again.
"GC2018 is a sporting celebration and our aim is to work together with our partners to deliver a safe, secure and friendly Games environment whilst maintaining our high standard of service delivery to the rest of the state," Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.
"Police, GOLDOC, our Australian government security partners such as the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation have spent several years planning for this. We are prepared, we have exercised, practised and reviewed our security arrangements against all threats.
"We are asking the community to be aware of the enhanced police powers in Protected Security Zones for the Games and to cooperate with police if you are stopped. The public can be assured that in everything we do our first priority is to keep the entire Queensland community safe."
The QPS security response for GC2018 commenced on March 5 and the community can expect to see an influx of police and an increase in security activity around the Gold Coast over the next few weeks.
Whilst all steps have been taken to ensure the safety of the public during GC2018, police continue to ask people to remain vigilant.
"Be aware but not alarmed. If you see or hear something that concerns you, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400," Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.
For more information on public safety at GC2018 visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/GC2018
