NSW: Countdown to APEC summit starts

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2007
NSW: Countdown to APEC summit starts

With just a month to go .. preparations are being wrapped up for the APEC summit ..

which is set to cause major disruptions for Sydney.

Traffic and public transport will hit hard .. and the CBD will be swamped by security
as 12 world leaders arrive for the September 7-9 talks.

NSW Transport Minister JOHN WATKINS says while the city won't be locked down .. special
APEC powers mean police can search people and cars .. and set up roadblocks .. diversions
and barricades.

But he says there's been comprehensive planning to minimise the impact on the city
.. and there'll more details on disruptions in the next few weeks.

He says every movement of the world leaders can't be released for security reasons
.. but the community will be given as much detail as possible as the conference draws
closer.







Under the special arrangements three train stations will be closed .. buses will use
special New Year's Eve routes terminating at Hyde Park .. ferries will have a six knot
speed limit around the Opera House .. and there'll be restricted access and vehicle inspections
around parts of the Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens.

More information on arrangements is available from the APEC hotline on 1300 273 201
or the Transport Infoline on 131 500.

AAP RTV kd/wjf/bart

KEYWORD: APEC PREPARATION (SYDNEY)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.