STAND PROUD

Leaders say foiled terror plot no cause for concern in North

TOWNSVILLE families have been urged not to let the threat of terrorism stand in the way of Anzac Day commemorations.

The call for calm follows the arrest in Victoria on Saturday of five men claiming to have connections to ISIS and who were allegedly planning a gruesome terror attack on Anzac Day.

This year’s Townsville dawn service and parade is tipped to be the biggest yet, with 50,000 people expected to turn out. There will also be a large police presence, with officers checking vehicles and monitoring crowds.

Authorities have confirmed that no threats have been levelled against Townsville and they are confident the day will go ahead without a problem.

TOWNSVILLE leaders are urging residents to stand proud and honour Diggers on Anzac Day in the face of an alleged foiled terror attack in Victoria.

Five men allegedly connected to ISIS were arrested in Victoria on Saturday.

The men have been accused of plotting an Anzac Day terror attack in which police and the public would be attacked with knives and swords.

Police said they were all associates of Numan Haider, who was shot dead by police after stabbing two Victorian police officers last year.

Northern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor said the police presence at Anzac ceremonies would be high and officers would be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.

“There will be a high visibility of police on patrol and there will also be plainclothes officers to ensure the safety of centenary of Anzac Day celebrations,” he said.

“We’ve looked at the information available and we’re confident we’re already staffed appropriately.

“Police will be frequently pulling up vehicles and persons who they believe look suspicious for the purpose of making sure they

We’ve looked at the information available and we’re confident we’re already staffed appropriately

PAUL TAYLOR

should be there, and are there for the right reasons.”

Up to 50,000 people are expected to line The Strand on April 25 for the city’s largest ever Anzac Day celebration.

A further 10,000 people will march in the parade made up of soldiers, airmen, naval contingents, veterans and local school students.

Townsville RSL president Bill Whitburn said he was confident this year’s Anzac celebrations would not be marred by any terror- related activity and encouraged everyone to attend without fear.

“I have no concerns but that is not to say the police and security personnel won’t be on high alert,” he said.

Townsville City Council’s Healthy City Safe City chairman Gary Eddiehausen said the Victorian arrests were concerning but hoped it would not stop people from attending.

“We are expecting a lot of people and Townsville is a proud garrison city,” he said.

“I have full confidence in the police to address any issues that arise.”

Deputy Mayor Vern Veitch said residents should not let the threat of terror interfere with their daily lives, let alone the proud tradition of commemorating Anzac Day.

“That is even more important on days like Anzac Day when people should come and be part of the remembrance and commemorations,” he said.

“Police are always on the lookout for these things, as are Commonwealth Police, and this wouldn’t have been picked up if no one was looking.

“We live in a very lucky country with a very low- level risk of violence.”

Queensland Police Specialist Operation Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett said the arrests in Victoria should reassure the public that police and intelligence agencies were working together to identify and prevent terror threats.

“As a community, we must be alert and vigilant in today’s environment, and we must also continue to go about our lives without fear and continue to acknowledge and commemorate significant events such as Anzac Day,” he said.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to support Anzac Day ceremonies and to attend local events, knowing there will be an increased police presence.”