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Mr STEWART: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Roads. What is the latest information on further measures to upgrade security on Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Mr SCULLY: No doubt Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of our icons. In fact, it is one of the great icons of the twentieth century. During World War II anti-aircraft cannons were fitted to the pylons to protect the bridge and the surrounding community from air attack. Today we face another threat. Following September 11 and Bali, security on the harbour bridge was enhanced. A closed-circuit television [CCTV] system and motion detection systems were put in place, and we employed permanent round-the-clock security guards. The Roads and Traffic Authority [RTA] has been examining what further steps can be taken on the harbour bridge and the Anzac Bridge to enhance security.
I have accepted a recommendation from the RTA that we call for tenders next month for the installation and operation of 18 thermal imaging cameras around the harbour bridge and a further eight on the Anzac bridge. This thermal imaging technology will complement the 12 CCTV cameras already in place and the security guards that are already there. Thermal imaging needs no light.
[Interruption]
The Government, and I trust every member of the House, regards security as very important. It is no laughing matter. Members opposite should treat this matter extremely seriously, as we do. It is important that a message go out to anyone who intends to intrude on this iconic structure in Sydney: All human beings emit a heat signature. Up until recently the thermal imaging equipment as applied by security agencies could only pick up a blob of colour, whereas the technology has been significantly enhanced in the past couple of years. What happens is that a monitor operator can watch on a screen a full outline of a person in the dark. So if an intruder without permission or authorisation enters an area of an icon such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Anzac bridge in complete darkness, the thermal imaging equipment will pick up the heat signature and give a full body outline as if it were broad daylight. That is an important improvement to security on the harbour bridge.
The Anzac bridge, while not as iconic as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, is still a significant engineering structure. That is why I have decided to approve the recommendation for eight heat detection imaging cameras to be installed on the Anzac bridge. That means 26 of these high-tech cameras will be installed. We will be calling for tenders next month. After the tender, design and installation process, I expect all of those cameras to be in place and operational during the first half of next year. The cost is approximately $3 million.