The Post understands an anonymous caller threatened the safety of customers at about 12.40pm.

Alarms sounded as wardens in red helmets ushered customers and staff out of the nearest exits shortly afterwards.

A staff member on scene said an emergency drill notification was distributed to businesses earlier that day, scheduled for August 3. But centre management quickly confirmed the evacuation was not a drill.

"Goulburn Square is open and trading as normal following a threat made to the centre's management," a centre management spokesperson said yesterday afternoon.

"To ensure the safety of the community the centre was evacuated while local authorities conducted a search of the centre."

Goulburn police Inspector Rob Post said the evacuation was completed by the mall security team, "in relation to a phone call they received", after which police completed a wide inspection of the site.

At around 1pm, local authorities deemed the area safe, and centre operations resumed.

Insp. Post said police were investigating the threat made by an anonymous man.

"We are currently assisting local authorities with their investigation. On behalf of Centre Management we would like to thank the community and local authorities for their assistance," the centre management spokesperson said.