'Extremely busy': Police warn people to avoid city as protesters prepare to march
National weather forecast for Sunday August 3
Police have closed Sydney Harbour Bridge to traffic in both directions as the city braces for potentially thousands of pro-Palestine protesters to descend on the iconic landmark.
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestine protesters are expected to be out in force today across both Melbourne and Sydney following a last-minute decision to greenlight a march across the Harbour Bridge.
Authorities have warned people to avoid non-essential travel with heavy delays expected in the Harbour Tunnel, the key route for Sydneysiders when the bridge is inaccessible.
A heavy police presence is expected as officers are pulled from their core duties.
It is expected the bridge will be shut down to traffic until 4pm today.
Traffic has already thinned across the bridge as police prepare to close north and southbound roads.
The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the pro-Palestinian protest, organised by the Palestine Action Group, after the NSW police commissioner sought to prohibit the march on public safety grounds.
A heavy police presence is expected as officers are pulled from their core duties in local area commands across the city.
Hundreds of officers will be deployed to target "unlawful and anti-social behaviour", NSW Police confirmed today.
It is expected the bridge will be shut down to traffic from now until 4pm today.
Authorities have warned people to avoid non-essential travel with heavy delays expected in the Harbour Tunnel.
"The first and upmost priority for NSW Police is always the safety of those protesting, other members of the public who may be impacted by the protest, and the officers involved in the operation," Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Johnson said.
"Police will have a high-visibility presence at the operation today and will work with participants to ensure there are no breaches of the peace."
Protesters arrive at meeting point in Sydney
Some keen early birds have descended on Wynyard over an hour before the protest is due to start.
The weather has becoming increasingly wet in the CBD as storms batter the state but it has not deterred protesters from joining the march.
The rally is set to begin at 1pm in Lang Park near the station.
Pro-Palestine protesters at tje meeting point in Sydney.
Commuters warned to avoid the city
The Harbour Bridge closure will also impact some bus routes and the public have been warned the shut down could extend beyond 4pm.
Commuters have been asked to follow police advice and avoid the area unless essential.
NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Johnson said police are preparing for an
The Sydney Metro network is closed today due to planned trackwork.
"It would have been great if we could have the metro operating but unfortunately that's not the situation today," Johnson said said.
Johnson told media today that extra transport staff will be on duty to help guide protesters and travellers back across to the southern side of the bridge.
"We're working hard with transport about how they're going to get back," Johnson said.
"It's going to be extremely busy."
Sydney's T1 North Shore line will be under the most pressure as protesters enter and leave the city today.
Police are also preparing for an "unknown number" of protesters to swarm the bridge, which could present a risk of crowd crushes.
"The numbers are unknown. We don't know," Johnson said.
"We're not sure of the numbers coming. We will have to deal with that as it progresses today.
"I've put some things in place to alleviate that."
Protesters will also march across King Street Bridge in Melbourne today.
"We ask all the participants listen to police, be respectful, there will be large crowds. we will have to facilitate this carefully," NSW Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna told the media yesterday.
"Nothing changes for us in the fact that people who come in to do the right thing and have a safe protest, then we will facilitate that, we will work with them.
"But if people come in to commit any type of offences, any anti-social behaviour or anything else that puts the public safety at risk, we will have no hesitation to take action."
Weather won't deter protesters in Sydney
Protest organisers have said the wet weather in Sydney won't dampen plans for the march.
"Rain, hail, or shine, we will free Palestine!" Palestine Action Group wrote on Facebook.
"We urge everyone to plan for a long day, bring wet-weather gear, plenty of water and snacks.
"Be patient and look out for each other. Today we march for humanity, to save Gaza!"
The march is expected to begin in Lang Park around 1pm, however road closures began from 11.30am, including closing down the bridge.
Protest organisers have said the wet weather in Sydney won't dampen plans for the m
Thousands to descend on Melbourne CBD
A pro-Palestine protest on Melbourne's King Street Bridge has also kicked off today.
Thousands are expected to descend on the area after police requested they change their route over concerns emergency services vehicles won't be able to get through.
The march began at the State Library at 12pm.
A pro-Palestine protest on Melbourne's King Street Bridge in solidarity with Sydney has also kicked off today.
Premier Jacinta Allen warned anyone who "disrupts" emergency services will be dealt with "swiftly" by police.
Pro-Palestine protests, which have taken place every week since October 7, 2023, have called for an immediate Israel ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza and are now marching to highlight the need for aid in the region.
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