Four marches in the Blue Mountains region were called off on Wednesday due to concern over the high-price of new anti-terrorism security measures.
New South Wales State Police recommended a range of measures to help ensure security at Anzac Day events, including roadside barriers to prevent truck incursions similar to the attacks in Nice and Berlin last year.
One RSL sub-branch was told these new measures would cost more than $10,000.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill believed the additional security was compulsory for all Anzac Day marches in the Blue Mountains.
"My understanding is that these measures are compulsory in the Blue Mountains, and so they will affect all of our marches," Cr Greenhill said.
Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans Association President Peter Jones has marched in Springwood on Anzac Day for 15 years.
He said he was devastated when he was told the march had been cancelled.
Peter Jones, Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans Association President.
"It's absolutely devastating, to a lot of people, not only me," Mr Jones said.
Fellow Vietnam War veteran Geoff Raymond said marching on Anzac Day meant a lot to current and retired service men and women.
"It's a great feeling to be in the march and all the crowd around you, basically supporting you while you're doing it. It means a great deal," Mr Raymond said.
RSL organisers say they had no choice but to cancel the four marches after some confusion over who would pay for the additional security measures.
But the Blue Mountains Mayor insisted there's a chance the marches may still go ahead.
"This day is sacred, absolutely important to the community of the Blue Mountains and I won't let it stop," Cr Greenhill told SBS.
NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay told media the state government was prepared to cover half the security costs.
Blue Mountains local council has agreed to fund the rest.
"If Duncan Gay is willing to proceed with his promise of half the costs, that's great, and that will, with our support, ensure the events go ahead," Cr Greenhill said.
CEO of RSL NSW Glenn Kolomeitz warned other marches could face similar pressures due to added security costs, but insisted the safety of all Australians needed to be a priority
File image of Australian Army soldiers marching on Anzac Day Source: AAP
"We must mitigate the risk and protect our members and the public, who are involved in these events," Mr Kolomeitz told SBS.
Concerns for security have risen since police prevented an Anzac Day terror plot in Melbourne in 2016.
NSW Police said they'll do everything they can to ensure all marches go ahead this year.
NSW Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford assured those planning to attend Anzac Day ceremonies there are no known threats to the day's events.
"I would like to assure all the veterans, their relatives and concerned members of the public that we are not aware of any specific threat to Anzac Day Marches," Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford said in a statement.
"Anzac Day is a solemn occasion and a time when we respectfully pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice that was made by our Diggers."
NSW Police will meet local and state Governments next week to discuss the future of Anzac Day events in the Blue Mountains.
