Loud speakers installed across Australian city to warn of terror attacks

SYDNEY, Dec 11 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of loud speakers are being installed across the city of Melbourne in Australia on Monday, as part of a major security upgrade to warn people of terror attacks.

The new measures are the recommendations of a counter terrorism review that occurred after a number of recent incidents this year.

In January, a vehicle attack in Melbourne resulted in the deaths of six people, while in July a deadly terror siege killed two men, including the gunman, on the outskirts of the city.

Last month, a plot to gundown innocent people during New Year's Eve celebrations in Melbourne's popular tourist location Federation Square was thwarted by authorities.

The 7.5 million U.S. dollars initiative will also include extra CCTV cameras in the Central Business District and the construction of more pavement barricades to prevent cars entering busy walkways.

"The loud speakers will allow us to put out warning messages in the event of an incident occurring whether it be a terrorist event or whether it be another mass casualty incident, or one that's of high risk," Victoria Police acting chief commissioner Shane Patton told local media.

"It will allow us to inform the public in the city where they should be going, what they should be doing and making sure they're safe and understand what's unfolding."

Coincidently, a three-day forum on global terrorism prevention kicked off in Melbourne on Monday, hosting a range of speakers from across the world including Britain, the United States, Canada, France, New Zealand, Singapore and Belgium.

Assistant commissioner of the Victorian Police Ross Guenther said in a statement, the conference is a fantastic opportunity for practitioners from around the world to come together and share knowledge and best practices to combat terror.

"We also recognize that this is something that no single organization can combat alone and the ability to meet and discuss our experiences in an ever evolving counter terrorism landscape is exceptionally beneficial," he said.

"We expect to be able to take a lot away from the forum that will allow us to ensure we are doing everything we can to best protect the Victorian community."

Police said the first test of the warning system will go ahead on Dec. 28 in preparation for New Year's Eve celebrations. Enditem