Additional NSW police officers will be deployed as part of a highly-visible and mobile police operation to ensure community safety ahead of Sydney’s 2017 New Year’s Eve celebration, NSW Police say.
Operation Narimba will commence on Sunday (29 December 2017), as millions of people converge on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and at events across the state for New Year’s Eve festivities on December 31.
General duties officers from Local Area Commands across the state will be assisted by specialist units including Public Order & Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Metropolitan Field Operations Jeff Loy AMP, said the focus of the operation will be public safety, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
"We know big crowds will take advantage of our spectacular harbour again this year and we want them to be able to celebrate safely which is why we have been planning for this event for more than 12 months," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
"Both uniform and plain-clothes police will patrol multiple event areas to ensure the safe movement of crowds to vantage points. Members of the public are urged to comply with the directions of police and event staff as they make their way to viewing areas.
"The public is also reminded to celebrate responsibly and look out for one another. Alcohol can impair your judgement and anyone can become an offender or victim of crime. Know your limits and drink in moderation," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
"Sydney is renowned as the world’s premier New Year’s Eve destination so let’s make sure it’s memorable for all the right reasons."
Extensive assessments have been conducted to ensure traffic, transport, crowd behaviour and security are expertly managed.
"We have been working in consultation with the City of Sydney, landowners and other government agencies to ensure New Year’s Eve is a fun and family-friendly environment," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
"We are anticipating large crowds to descend upon Sydney’s foreshore for the spectacular fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight.
"We have previously seen several sites reach capacity and close early, so we are urging people to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
"The community are reminded BYO alcohol is prohibited at all vantage points and will be strictly enforced. Anyone who would like to drink should choose a licensed vantage point or licensed premises."
People should also expect to leave the city differently to how they normally would with many roads closed to pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists, so follow directions and check signs.
There will be a large number of major road closures and special event clearways in place throughout the Sydney CBD, North Sydney, Lower North Shore, Inner West and the Harbour foreshore; so members of the community are urged to leave the car at home and use public transport.
In addition, there will be special event clearways and significant changes to traffic conditions in Sydney CBD, North Sydney, Lower North Shore, Inner West and the Harbour foreshore.
Those who insist on driving should expect long delays and are reminded, as always, not to drink or drug drive.
With significant maritime traffic expected on Sydney Harbour, police and maritime authorities will be out in force to ensure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are complying with maritime laws.
"Similar to foreshore areas, the Harbour will be crowded, so skippers are reminded to be alert and aware of other boaters at all times," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
"Before heading out on the water, check the vessel is in good working order, ensure all the required safety equipment is on board – most importantly, lifejackets – and check special event maritime information.
"As on land, the alcohol limit is 0.05 and marine area command officers will be conducting random breath tests.
"We want everyone to have an enjoyable and memorable night so I encourage the public to adhere to safety advice, comply with directions and if you find yourself in trouble contact police."
For further information:
Visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Maritime for details on exclusion zones and movement restriction times.
Detailed vantage point information, alcohol-free zones and important hints and tips for the evening are available on the Sydney New Year’s Eve website: www.sydneynewyearseve.com.
The website also features important traffic and transport information to assist people in planning their trip to and from the city.
Detailed public transport information is available on the Sydney New Year’s Eve website. Special event traffic information can also be found at: www.livetraffic.com.
