Defence conduct final G20 preparations
Queensland police will formally ban two individuals from attending the Brisbane G20 summit and track destructive protest groups during final preparations for the event.
Much of the Brisbane CBD and South Bank area will become a restricted or declared zone from November 14, when a sophisticated security operation will be initiated to protect world leaders.
It will involve 4500 Queensland police officers, 1500 interstate and New Zealand officers, Australian Federal Police and defence.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have been put through their paces by counter-terrorism exercises at the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Academy in Brisbane.
Soldiers are being tested by staged terrorism and hostage situations using tactical equipment, simulated ammunition and hand-held pyrotechnics.
Defence had worked closely with state and federal agencies for 18 months to prepare for the summit, ADF commander for the G20 commitment Major General Stuart Smith said at the academy on Tuesday.
More than 900 soldiers will be based in Brisbane for the event, with a further 1000 on call, however Maj Gen Smith said it would be up to the QPS or federal authorities to ask for assistance.
"It's really a background support that we're providing, only those niche search capabilities and counter-terrorism and air support that may be provided," he said.
"So I surmise you won't see a great presence by the military."
Specialist soldiers and military dogs would be used to sweep conference venues, hotels and waterways prior to the summit, he said.
Brisbane residents have been warned to expect further rehearsals by defence aircraft as they prepare for the summit.
Meanwhile, the number of known protest groups planning to attend the G20 has risen to 24.
Police are eager to communicate with protest groups but would not tolerate destructive behaviour, Assistant Commissioner Katarina Carroll said.
"We know from these events around the world, they do attract an element of people who will come to create disorder," Ms Carroll told reporters in Brisbane.
"We're quite aware of who those groups are and certainly we'll be keeping an eye on them as we lead into G20."
The two banned individuals would be served with official documents under special G20 legislation "in the next week or two", but Ms Carroll would not comment on their identity.
As the summit draws nearer, speculation has mounted that international protest groups may be considering a presence in Brisbane.
The "Black Bloc" technique used by some violent, anonymous protesters at past G20 events was one of numerous tactics used by groups, Ms Carroll said.
Police have information on Black Bloc protesters, but Ms Carroll refused to elaborate.
