APEC

Workers setting up the 3m high fence along Alfred Street (by Circular Quay) and patrolling police officers.

Sydney hosts the APEC meeting this year. That is the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperative.
And Sydney's CBD has changed drastically. 21 world leaders are coming to Sydney and for the occasion 5 Km of fencing has risen in the CBD from the 2nd to the 9th of September. This is to safeguard them and their entourage in the event of violent protests. A lot of these security measures are focused on George W. Bush's safety. The CBD has turned into a virtual fortress with an increase 0f 3,000 police and 1,500 soldiers and road closures disrupting traffic. Hopefully it will all pass uneventfully but better safe then sorry they must have thought. Sewers have been flushed to flush out any explosive devices that may have been hidden there and the general public may be subject to search in certain areas. Other areas are off limits like the Opera House which will be closed during this period as well as some train stations in the CBD will be closed from 7th to 9th. Also an emergency announcement system has been put in place to give out information in the event that would be necessary.

A good thing to come out of this is that Sydneysiders have been given an extra bank holiday on the 7th of September and they are encouraged to leave town that weekend. Which we are planning to do so we can enjoy a long weekend away for my birthday on the 10th.