NSW Police Force will launch a high-visibility operation that will see officers deployed across the state to ensure the community's safety as they bring in and celebrate the New Year.
Operation New Year's Eve 2022 will be in place tomorrow (Saturday 31 December 2022), as revellers make their way to the Sydney Harbour foreshore and events throughout NSW.
General duties officers from multiple police area commands and districts across the state will be assisted by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Licensing Police, Mounted and Dog Command, Marine Area Command, and PolAir.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said police will be out in force across the state to ensure everyone celebrates safely.
"New Year's Eve is a time to reflect on the year that was and look forward to the year ahead. Don't start 2023 with a foolish action you will live to regret," Mr Toole said.
"I also want to thank our police, who won't be out celebrating the night with family and friends but will instead be working around the clock on our roads and at major events to keep everyone safe."
Central Metropolitan Region and Operation New Year's Eve 2022 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke, said police will be focusing on public safety, alcohol-related crime, and anti-social behaviour.
"We are expecting significant crowds to be making their way into the city and Harbour Foreshore for tomorrow night's celebrations, and we will have additional officers deployed to ensure this is done safely," Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
"Both uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be deployed around the CBD and Sydney Harbour foreshore areas throughout the day and until the party precincts have safely emptied on New Year's Day.
"Police will have zero tolerance for violent or anti-social behaviour, and those attending are urged not to ruin a good night out for yourself, or others.
"We have been working closely with other government agencies and stakeholders in preparation for tomorrow night, and we will be operating from the Police Operations Centre and the Government Coordination Centre to coordinate the people and resources on the ground," Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
The City of Sydney's New Year's Eve celebration is the state's largest event and police encourage those travelling into the city, to plan their night in advance and get in early, to avoid any disappointment.
"Organisers encourage those heading to the CBD to be aware some vantage points are ticketed, with free areas expected to fill up early in the day," Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
For important hints and tips for the evening, and information on alcohol-free zones, please visit the Sydney New Year's Eve website: www.sydneynewyearseve.com.
The public is encouraged to leave their car at home and utilise public transport as various major road closures and special event clearways will be in place throughout the CBD on New Year's Eve and into New Year's Day.
Police Transport Command (PTC) officers will be travelling on trains, light rail, buses, and ferries, targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour, including anyone drinking alcohol, which is prohibited.
"If you do plan on driving, know that there will be additional marked and unmarked police cars out across the state targeting behaviour that endangers lives, including drink and drug driving, speeding, and fatigue," Assistant Commissioner Cooke added.
Special event traffic information can also be found at: www.livetraffic.com.
With significant maritime traffic expected on Sydney Harbour, police and maritime authorities will also be out in force to ensure that operators of recreational and commercial vessels are complying with maritime laws.
"For those that choose to enjoy the celebrations from the water, stay alert, make sure your vessel is in good working order, check that you have all the necessary safety equipment and always be aware of your surroundings and other boaters in the area," Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
"On the water we will be conducting drug and alcohol testing, as well as compliance checks so look after your friends and family and act responsibly," Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
Visit https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Maritime for details on exclusion zones and movement restriction times.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Giles Buchanan said "Last New Year's Eve was NSW Ambulance's busiest on record for Triple Zero (000) Calls.
"We are pleading with people to save Triple Zero (000) for emergencies. To reduce call volume, please act responsibly especially when there is alcohol involved.
"Over the past week paramedics have responded to more than 45 water related and drowning incidents, so please don't add to the statistics. Don't take your eyes off your children, even for a second. Know your swimming limitations and use common sense.
"The last thing you want is to ring in the New Year in hospital, or worse, not make it home to your loved ones at all."
