All available police resources will be deployed to ensure New Year’s Eve festivities and celebrations on offer across the Gold Coast remain fun and safe for all, Queensland Police say.
Officers from PolAir Queensland, the Water Police, the Road Policing Command and Logan District will supplement the local policing response to ensure a high-visibility presence is maintained across the Gold Coast District New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Police will be targeting the consumption of liquor in public places and unruly behaviour across the Gold Coast in foreshore parks, roads and adjoining areas; including bus stops and car parks.
Gold Coast District Major Events Group Inspector Bruce Kuhn said that intelligence-based proactive patrols will focus on ensuring public safety and amenity.
"We are encouraging anyone who is having a few drinks on the Gold Coast for New Year’s Eve to act responsibly," Inspector Kuhn said.
"We will diligently implement pre-planned strategies that are aimed at reducing the amount of anti-social behaviour over the New Year’s Eve celebration and New Year’s Day public holiday," Inspector Kuhn said.
"Gold Coast residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and catch public transport to attend celebrations to avoid congestion around road closures.
"There is a likelihood of significant traffic delays in and around Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Runaway Bay and other locations that offer fireworks vantage points, so drivers are advised to avoid these areas if possible".
Senior Sergeant Bradyn Murphy from the Gold Coast Road Policing Command said officers from the Road Policing Command will again be conducting enforcement operations across the Gold Coast to reduce the incidence of road trauma and warned that people need to utilize public transport and not drink drive.
"Remember you can still be over the limit the day after if you have had a big night – so if in doubt, stay off the roads," Senior Sergeant Murphy said.
"We don’t want to start 2018 with tragedy and so we adopt a zero tolerance approach to day-after drink driving."
Road closures:
Surfers Paradise:
Cavill Avenue, Orchid Avenue and The Esplanade will be closed from 8pm to 4am. There will also be intermittent road closures around GLINK platforms and the CBD from around 8pm, 10pm and midnight to ensure that revellers leaving the fireworks can do so safely.
Broadbeach:
Old Burleigh Road will be closed between Albert and Charles Avenue between 6pm to 2am.
Runaway Bay:
The Esplanade (Paradise Point) between Falkinder Avenue and Bruce Avenue from 4pm to Midnight.
New Year’s Eve safety tips:
•Use public transport or ride sharing services where possible and be patient with other commuters waiting for these services;
•Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. If you feel threatened or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, leave immediately and go to a place where you feel safe;
•Trust your instincts and recognise warning signs;
•Develop a network of people who will assist you in an emergency and let them know where you are going and when you are likely to return;
•Look after your friends;
•Consider the necessity of the items you are carrying in your handbag or wallet, and try to keep valuables to a minimum.
Safety tips for those planning on drinking on New Year’s Eve:
•Plan ahead as to how many drinks you will have and stick to the plan by monitoring your drinking;
•Book a ride home with a taxi or ride sharing service or designate a driver to ensure you and your friends get home safely;
•Eat before and during drinking;
•Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a sensible pace;
•Avoid mixing drinks and finish each drink before you have another;
•Get involved in other activities, for example playing pool or dancing;
•Do not leave drinks unattended;
•Only accept drinks from people you trust. Watch the staff members as they make your drink; and
•If someone offers to buy you a drink, go up to the bar with that person and accept the drink there.
Further information and personal safety tips can be located on the Queensland Police Service website at https://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/default.htm
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
