Security focus on transport infrastructure

Improved design of major transport infrastructure would help ensure better personal safety and make it easier for authorities to protect against terrorist incidents, Acting Premier Paul Lucas said today.

Opening the Transit Security and Infrastructure Design Conference in Brisbane today, Mr Lucas said building better security into transport infrastructure from the ground up was becoming increasingly important.

The conference includes contributions from transport security specialists from across Australia and New Zealand and will be followed by a three-day workshop focussed on transport infrastructure design, new technologies and the operation of security systems.

“Queensland has a vast transport network, which presents major challenges,” Mr Lucas said.

“We’ve got around 10,000km of rail corridor, 181,000km of major roads, 130 airports, including three international airports, 16 regulated shipping ports and around 5000 accredited transport operators.

“So in many ways our best assets in protecting against a terrorist incident are our dedicated transport staff and the hundreds of thousands of passengers using the network every day.”

Mr Lucas said better planning and design was also playing an increasingly important role.

“Building transport security into new infrastructure, not just retro-fitting it, is the basis of our security planning,” Mr Lucas said.

“Initiatives include planning and design that maximise visibility and reduces the number of ‘hiding places’ in major transport precincts, expanding CCTV coverage, through to seemingly small decisions like using see-through rubbish bins in stations.

“Good anti-terrorism design is good public safety design, and it all delivers broader benefits to the community.

“Queensland Transport now operates approximately 7000 CCTVs, including around 6000 in QR rolling stock, platforms, walkways, carparks plus others on buses and busways.

“And we continue to strengthen the presence of police and security guards on CityTrain services

“Currently we have 110 TransLink Transit Officers and 53 members of the Queensland Police Service Railway Squad helping to improve safety and security for passengers.”

Mr Lucas said it was also important for governments to work together on a common approach to transport security.

“In 2005, the Federal and State governments established the Intergovernmental Agreement on Surface Transport Security by the Council of Australian Governments,” Mr Lucas said.

“And while agreements between governments, and conferences like this are important, it’s also vital that the public is aware of the role it can play by looking out for and reporting any suspicious circumstances.

“Staff and the public are our number one tool.

“Unfortunately many Australians and Queenslanders simply don’t believe these sorts of events could happen here. But the reality is that whilst extremely unlikely, the ongoing terror trial in Melbourne has demonstrated that alleged suspect activity can occur in our own backyard.”

Mr Lucas said Queensland Transport would also begin a transport ‘reminder security advertising campaign’ in Brisbane and key regional centres in coming months to reinforce the role the public can play.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868