NIP TERROR IN THE BUD

WHAT a sad state of affairs we find ourselves in when the new weapons of terror are parked in our garages and in our kitchen benches.

No longer do attackers need to construct intricate bombs and smuggle nefarious objects onto aircraft to inflict mass casualties.

Today, a car and a sharp knife are enough to sow destruction in a crowd.

These attacks – from London to Nice to Berlin – will forever change the way cities are designed.

Locally, more thought will go into keeping vehicles out of highly pedestrianised areas, such as our malls.

Events such as the popular Seafire fireworks competition in Surfers Paradise that drew thousands of families to the beach for a fun night on Saturday will be burdened by ever-more costly security arrangements.

The beaches themselves may need to be better sealed off to restrict vehicle access.

How many people waking up to the news from London yesterday and embarking on their morning beach walk thought ‘what if?’ as a lifeguard or council vehicle drove past on the sand?

We can have confidence that the best anti-terrorism minds in Australia are thinking of the Gold Coast as they prepare for next year’s Commonwealth Games.

But the truth is, we can only do so much to alter cityscapes to stop low-tech terror.

That’s why it’s so important for Australians to be vigilant for signs of possible attacks in the planning stages.

Any suspicious activities can be reported to the National Security Hotline – 1800 1234 00.