Sydney Airport is one of the busiest and most critical infrastructure sites in Australia, serving millions of passengers and handling vast amounts of cargo every year.
In operation since 1919, it’s one of the world’s oldest continually operating airports. Over 44 million passengers embark or disembark at Sydney Airport every year, with tens of thousands flowing through the airport daily.
And with three runways, it also holds the title of Australia’s busiest airport.
With such high stakes, security is an absolute necessity. Ivan Bojanovic, Manager of Security, Infrastructure and Policy, says, “We must succeed 100 percent of the time. There’s no margin for error.”
Ivan’s role combines two essential functions: overseeing the installation and maintenance of physical security assets and ensuring that every solution complies with strict aviation regulations.
“Whatever security solution we implement has to meet regulatory standards and specifications,” Ivan explains.
After more than a decade at the airport and four years in his current position, Ivan understands the importance of always staying ahead of evolving threats.
We take security very seriously. We’re one of the biggest critical infrastructure sites in Australia. To succeed, we need a layered ecosystem of trusted products, and Gallagher is a key part of that.
Ivan Bojanovic, Manager of Security, Infrastructure and Policy, Sydney Airport
Fencing in a modern world
The airport’s perimeter totals 24km, which includes a sea wall, the ocean, the terminals, and fencing.
For many years, Sydney Airport relied on a basic chain-wire fence topped with razor wire as protection at its perimeter.
At 2.44 metres high, this was once the standard across airports nationwide. However, as Ivan points out, “In today’s environment, that approach is no longer fit for purpose.”
“We know through experience those types of fencing simply don't allow us to detect, deter, and respond appropriately. Those specific solutions could be scaled by people relatively quickly and we’d have to intervene.”
Previously, breaches were detected only through manual guard patrols or CCTV monitoring. Deploying guards to high-risk areas added significant expense, and the airport needed a cost-effective solution that could provide proactive detection and deterrence within a physical barrier.
Sydney Airport partnered with Gallagher Security and trusted integrator HRC Security to deliver a next-generation perimeter security system using Gallagher products.
“We had some Gallagher products at Sydney Airport already, and once HRC recommended a Gallagher Security perimeter solution, it was an easy decision for us to make.”
The vision was ambitious: create a perimeter solution that acts as a sensor to give the Sydney Airport team situational awareness 24 hours a day – and to provide an instantaneous alert if the fence is touched or attempted to be scaled.
The 10km Gallagher perimeter system transformed the airport’s perimeter into what Ivan describes as “a living, breathing sensor.”
It combines advanced intruder detection technology with anti-climb panels and electric topping to deter attempts before they succeed.
Alongside this, new, integrated software ensures that security teams receive instant alerts whenever the fence is touched or scaled, reducing reliance on manual CCTV monitoring and static guards.
Jake Kearns, Gallagher Security National Key Accounts Leader, says Sydney Airport installed a range of Gallagher products including Gallagher’s Monitored Pulse Fence and Z20 Disturbance Sensors.
The results: zero breaches and industry recognition
Since the installation began, the impact has been remarkable.
The sections of the perimeter equipped with Gallagher’s full suite of products have had zero successful breaches.
The airport has reduced operational costs, and situational awareness has improved, allowing security teams to respond faster and more effectively.
Sydney Airport’s approach has also attracted attention across the industry.
Other airports are now looking to replicate the model, and Ivan says the solution is widely regarded as the gold standard for perimeter security in Australia.
“The fence is one layer in a very layered ecosystem, but it’s critical,” Ivan says.
“Gallagher’s solution gives us confidence that if someone tries to breach our perimeter, we know immediately, and our response is already on its way.”
Beyond the operational improvements, Sydney Airport’s leadership in security innovation has strengthened its reputation, with other airports seeking advice and guidance on implementing similar solutions.
It’s a responsibility Ivan is keenly aware of: “We take security very seriously. We’re one of the biggest critical infrastructure sites in Australia. To succeed, we need a layered ecosystem of trusted products, and Gallagher is a key part of that.”
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