Terrorism 'go bag' for Sydney residents

The "anti-terror" hysteria in the lead-up to the Sydney APEC summit in September has been ramped up still further — this time by Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

Presumably timed in anticipation for APEC, City of Sydney Council has issued 200,000 booklets advising what to do in the case of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The project is half-funded by the federal government, and aims to prepare people for "civil disturbances" and other catastrophes.

Every Sydney-sider is being encouraged to have a "go bag", so that they can leave their house quickly if the need arises. This should contain disposable gloves, a phone card, medication and portable radio to listen to emergency broadcasts.

Greens' Councillor Chris Harris suggested that extra items should include a pair of sun-glasses and a one-way ticket to Barcelona.

"I just find these fear campaigns personally offensive. Where are we supposed to go with our 'go bags'? With our current public transport system, the road would be clogged in minutes. If it's part-funded by the attorney-general's department, it smacks of a federal government fear campaign. It's purely sensationalist", Harris was quoted as saying in the July 17 Sydney Morning Herald.

The council's website provides a pocket guide which recommends that Sydney residents draw up an individual emergency plan after consulting family and friends and practice the plan every six months.

From GLW issue 718