Security works

Preliminary works to improve public security on Southbank Promenade have commenced, after the City of Melbourne conducted “service proving” this month.

According to the Yarra River Business Association (YRBA), the works involved investigation of underground services at specific sites along the promenade, to prepare for imminent upgrades.

In the coming months the council, working closely with the state government and Victoria Police, will begin installing long-term security measures along the popular walkway.

According to the state government, security works include physical protections that will:

Turn the whole promenade into a protected zone; 

Mostly consist of bollards, to provide protection while enabling people to move freely; and

Will consider the needs of local businesses, tram passengers and others.

The state government launched a $50 million CBD security upgrade project following the Bourke St incident in 2017. when a car was deliberately driven into pedestrians, killing six and injuring dozens.