The annual march – a prelude to the April 25 dawn service – had gone ahead under a relatively informal agreement with police in the past, said Corrimal RSL sub-branch president John Simpson. 

But at a recent meeting with Wollongong police, club representatives were told the event would require more serious security and public safety measures, he said. 

“[In the past] It didn’t cost us anything to stroll down the highway,” he said. “Police were cooperative and blocked the road off.”

“This year, if we were to go for a 20-minute stroll down the highway it would cost our branch something like $20,000. A lot of our members are up in arms about it.

“Is that the price of liberty? No way.” 

Mr Simpson said the $20,000 estimate included the cost of paying Roads and Maritime Service employees to block roads leading to the highway and manage traffic flow. There were also security staff to pay and other costs, which he declined to detail.

A spokeswoman for Wollongong City Council said arrangements surrounding Anzac service road closures had become more complex this year. Organisations planning on-road marches would be required to submit a traffic management plan, to be approved by the City of Wollongong Traffic Committee. 

“Due to recent international events, NSW Police have flagged concerns around risk management on a range of on-road events and community gatherings,” the spokesman said. “In the case of Corrimal RSL and Wollongong RSL, this has meant there are more formalised road closures for Anzac Day marches.”  

“Council is a long-term supporter of Anzac Day marches in the city and is providing both Wollongong and Corrimal RSLs with additional funding through council's financial assistance policy to help cover the additional costs caused by the increased risk management requirements.”

Mr Simpson said Corrimal club intended to use council’s contribution to cover the costs associated with its Anzac Day dawn service traffic plan. The club’s plan has been submitted and was this week approved by council’s traffic committee. 

NSW Police did not respond to the Mercury’s questions regarding the Corrimal service.