Friday 16 August 2013

PLANNING UNDERWAY FOR MAJOR ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY EVENT

Planning was underway to prepare for hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to converge on the city in October for the Royal Australian Navy's biggest harbour side celebration since the Bicentenary.

"It's just over two months until around 60 warships and tall ships from around the world sail into Sydney Harbour to take part in the Navy’s International Fleet Review,” said Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian, who is the Government's spokeswoman for the event.

"Marking the 100th anniversary of Royal Australian Navy ships entering Sydney Harbour for the first time, it will be an impressive sight and as big as New Year’s Eve, Australia Day and the Bicentenary all rolled into one.”

A series of events will take place across Sydney from 3 to 11 October. Big crowds, similar to New Year's Eve, are expected at vantage points around the foreshore, including watching a fireworks and light show on Saturday 5 October, during the long weekend.

Visitors who have pre-purchased tickets will also have the chance to board a number of warships and tall ships, which will be at Garden Island and Barangaroo.

"The NSW Government is proud to be supporting the Royal Australian Navy as it stages this event, which will be a wonderful drawcard for Sydney," Ms Berejiklian said.

“Comprehensive planning is underway to address the traffic, maritime and public transport challenges presented by this event, with so many people coming to Sydney.

“To help everyone, extra public transport will be running and there will be additional staff and signs at key train stations and bus interchanges to point customers in the right direction.”

The early advice is to plan your trip on public transport and expect some delays due to the large crowds. Roads will be closed in the Sydney CBD and around the harbour foreshore to ensure people can safely walk between the various attractions, so people will be advised not to drive near the CBD.

There will be more information available about road closures and additional public transport services closer to the event.

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