Project Overview
HRC Security was selected to deliver a major perimeter security upgrade at Sydney Airport, one of Australia’s busiest and most critical infrastructure assets. Serving more than 44 million passengers annually and operating across a 24-kilometre perimeter, Sydney Airport requires a security solution capable of detecting, deterring and responding to threats without compromise.
The objective was to replace traditional perimeter fencing with an intelligent, integrated security solution that delivered continuous situational awareness, enhanced regulatory compliance and significantly strengthened the airport’s overall security.
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.
The Challenge
For many years, Sydney Airport relied on conventional chain-wire fencing with razor wire. While once considered industry standard, this approach no longer provided the level of protection required against evolving security threats. “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.”
Intrusion detection relied heavily on manual guard patrols and CCTV monitoring, resulting in higher operating costs and slower response times. The airport required a solution that could proactively detect intrusion attempts while acting as both a physical and electronic barrier.
The HRC Security Solution
Working closely with Sydney Airport, HRC Security designed, supplied and installed an integrated perimeter security system tailored to the operational and regulatory requirements of a live international airport.
Utilising proven Gallagher Security technologies, HRC Security delivered approximately 10 kilometres of intelligent monitored perimeter protection incorporating:
- Gallagher Monitored Pulse Fence technology
- Gallagher Z20 Disturbance Sensors
- Anti-climb fencing and electric topping
- Integrated alarm monitoring and software
- Real-time intrusion detection and notification
The completed solution transformed the airport’s perimeter into an intelligent security asset, capable of instantly detecting attempts to climb, cut or interfere with the fence while providing immediate alerts to security personnel.
By integrating advanced perimeter detection with the airport’s broader security ecosystem, HRC Security helped deliver faster incident response, improved situational awareness and reduced reliance on manual surveillance.
The Results
The project has delivered measurable improvements in security performance and operational efficiency.
Key outcomes include:
- Significantly strengthened perimeter protection across the monitored sections.
- No successful breaches recorded across the protected perimeter following implementation.
- Immediate detection and notification of attempted intrusions.
- Enhanced situational awareness for airport security teams.
- Reduced dependence on continuous manual CCTV monitoring and static guarding.
- Improved operational efficiency while maintaining compliance with stringent aviation security requirements.
“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, we know immediately, and our response is already on its way.”
The success of the project has positioned Sydney Airport as a benchmark for perimeter security within Australia’s aviation sector, with other airports looking to adopt similar approaches.
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.”
Delivering Critical Infrastructure Security
As a trusted security integrator, HRC Security specialises in delivering complex, high-performance electronic security solutions for critical infrastructure environments.
The Sydney Airport project demonstrates HRC Security’s capability to design, integrate and deliver intelligent perimeter security systems that combine industry-leading technologies with expert installation and project delivery. By combining industry-leading technology with specialist design, installation and integration expertise, HRC Security delivers reliable, compliant and future-ready security solutions that protect some of Australia’s most critical infrastructure assets.