SYDNEY, (MILLAT+APP/AFP) – Global terror attacks have cast
a pall over 2016 but Australia was Saturday set to defy the threats
and ring in the New Year with bumper crowds gathering to watch a
firework extravaganza on Sydney’s glittering harbour.
Some 1.5 million people are packing Australia’s biggest city
to watch the midnight fireworks, a larger-than-usual crowd due to
the weekend timing and warm weather, as the New South Wales state
premier urged “business as usual”.
“My encouragement to everyone is to enjoy New Year’s Eve…
in the knowledge that police are doing everything they can to keep
us safe,” Premier Mike Baird said.
Some 2,000 extra officers have been deployed after a man was
arrested for allegedly making online threats against the
celebrations.