Four cancelled Anzac Day marches in the New South Wales Blue Moutains region is likely to go ahead, after the local council said it would pick up the cost.
The RSL sub-branches in Katoomba, Blackheath, Springwood and Glenbrook said yesterday (Wed) they had cancelled their annual marches, after being advised they would need to spend thousands of dollars on security protections.
The requirements by the state government are part of new counter-terrorism measures.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill has told the Macquarie Radio Network, the state government's handling of the issue is chaotic.
"You can't make a counter-terrorism announcement and not know who is going to fund it. That's crazy and they need to get their act together. We'e stumped up this year. It looks like we'll be the reason a lot of these marches are going to go ahead. But I would say to (the NSW)police minister: how on Earth can you make a counter-terrorism and not fund it -- indeed not even know who will fund it? (It is)Just crazy.
North West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford says he will do everything he can to see the marches go ahead.
“For many years I have been part of the ANZAC Day Ceremonies across Sydney and I am extremely disappointed to hear reports that some areas may not go ahead with their regular marches this year,” Assistant Commissioner Clifford said.
“I understand the concerns about the environment we currently live in, but I would like to assure all the veterans, their relatives and concerned members of the public that we are not aware of any specific threat to ANZAC Day Marches.
“As such, I’ve called for a meeting early next week with all parties involved in organising the Blue Mountains Marches to attempt to resolve the situation and ensure this important day of commemoration is not affected,” Assistant Commissioner Clifford said.
