Sydney will welcome 2026 under a noticeably heavier police presence with some officers carrying long arm firearms as the NSW Government argues the state’s security settings have entered a new phase after the Bondi Beach terror attack.
NSW Police will deploy more than 2,500 officers across the metropolitan area in uniform and plain clothes for what it describes as the largest policing operation of the year.
Specialist resources will include the Public Order and Riot Squad, PolAir, dog and mounted units, marine police and traffic and transport commands.
Premier Chris Minns has acknowledged the sight of bigger firearms on city streets will be confronting for some but said the shift reflected fundamental changes after Bondi where 15 people were killed on 14 December.
Minns said security measures had changed in overseas cities and they are going to have to change here.
In anticipation of the crowds that are anticipated to swarm Sydney’s foreshore and CBD vantage points for the 9 p.m. and midnight fireworks, police and the government have presented the stance as both deterrence and assurance.
Minns said the deployment was a clear and deliberate message that safety was the top priority adding to that You can expect more guns for the police and less guns for members of the community.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stressed the increase did not reflect intelligence of a specific imminent threat saying the visibility was aimed at public confidence.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley urged revellers to follow directions warning officers would respond to aggressive or reckless behaviour in crowded precincts and transport hubs.
NSW Police has also emphasised the broader operation covers events across the state not just Sydney Harbour.
The security posture is landing alongside a major transport task with authorities warning people to plan ahead for road closures and station changes as extra services run to move crowds.
Transport officials have pointed to hundreds more bus, train and light rail services than usual with demand expected to be sharply above a normal peak weekday.
New Year’s Eve programming will also include tributes linked to the Bondi attack. A minute’s silence is scheduled for 11pm and the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be lit with symbols including a menorah and dove with public messaging encouraging people to switch on phone torches in solidarity.
Minns has also flagged discussions with the Commonwealth about extra support after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese left open the possibility of federal assistance including troops to guard Jewish sites while emphasising law and order remains a state responsibility.
