The Federal Government is now looking at more ways to ensure the security of Australians and prevent terrorism.

That is also one of the major issues facing the 2018 Commonwealth Games organisers.

Emily Kuehner reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The Commonwealth Games may be more than six months away, but the Gold Coast is already putting in place security measures.

Recent terrorist incidents across the world has heightened awareness of the risk to major events.

The government will use resources from all levels to keep tourists, athletes and residents safe.

Kate Jones, Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games: “We’ve worked really closely, not only with the Queensland Police, but also the Australian Defence services and ASIO to make sure that we have the security measures in place.”

Surveillance cameras have been installed, and police and other security personnel are regularly training on the Gold Coast.

With Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns also hosting events, the Government has a major task to ensure tourists feel safe across Queensland.

Kate Jones, Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games: “There is a long standing, on-going security team that meet regularly to ensure that we’re adapting our security plans and preparations, with any new intelligence that comes to be known.”

Anti-terror bollards have already been installed at Surfers Paradise to protect the public.

Tom Tate, Gold Coast Mayor: “My attitude is you design for the worst scenario and once you can do that, you can make sure the Games are safe. We’re in great hands with the State and GOLDOC to sort that out.”

The Commonwealth Games security task force has also taken the extra step of monitoring online cyber chatter.

Gold Coast residents are being kept in the dark when it comes to exactly how much the security measures will impact them.

The government says it will ramp-up community awareness in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games, so locals know exactly what to expect.

Locals are confident they’ll be safe.

Vox 1: “We travel around all the time. We go on the buses, trams, we’re down here quite a lot and there’s never been a problem.”

Vox 2: “I’m not worried, I live in Sufers, I’m not worried, so, I mean some people are, but it’s just the stereotype kinda thing, big event, you know. I don’t think so. We’re not worried.”

Vox 3: “Nah, I’m not worried at all. If they’re gonna do something, they’re not gonna do it on the Gold Coast. They all come here for holidays, they love the Gold Coast.”

A local tourism expert is calling on the government to explain security measures to potential visitors as well as Gold Coast residents.

Dr Gabby Walters, UQ Senior Lecturer in Tourism: “Tourists will be evaluating the Gold Coast based on the level of threat and also their view on how well the Gold Coast as a destination and how well the Games as an organisation can maintain their safety.”

A security force of 10,000 will be deployed across the state during the event.

Emily Kuehner, QUT News.