The NSW Police Force is encouraging the community to enjoy New Year's Eve celebrations from home this year, as a high-visibility and mobile police operation is outlined today.
Operation New Year's Eve 2020 will be in place on Thursday (31 December 2020), to ensure the safety of revellers at events or gatherings across NSW.
General duties officers from Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state will be assisted by specialist units including Public Order and Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, the Dog and Mounted Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir, throughout the operation.
Operation New Year's Eve 2020 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing, said police will be focused on public safety, which includes enforcing Public Health Orders, as well as alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
"New Year's Eve celebrations will look very different this year, so too will the police response; and we are urging the community to heed the advice and celebrate locally," Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
"There will still be significant numbers of officers deployed for Operation New Year's Eve, who will be focused on keeping everyone safe, whether celebrating at an event in the CBD, suburban Sydney or Regional NSW.
"Public places around Circular Quay, the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie's Chair and parts of the North Sydney Area, where you would normally have a vantage point of the fireworks, will be closed to everyone except New Year's Eve pass holders.
"If you have a booking or confirmed plan in or around the city or harbour foreshore areas, review your plans and make sure that if you need a New Year's Eve pass, you get one through Service NSW and have it with you on the night.
"If you don't have a plan AND a pass, you will be directed to leave the area."
Detailed information about Sydney New Year's Eve, including the designated zones and the New Year's Eve pass, is available online: www.nsw.gov.au/NYE.
Police have been working closely with the NSW Government, landowners and other stakeholders in the lead up to New Year's Eve to ensure a COVID-safe evening for everyone.
"Despite the circumstances, we believe everyone can still have a safe and fun New Year's Eve, but to achieve this, you need to plan your night in advance," Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
"This also applies for anyone planning to be on Sydney Harbour – and we are expecting this to be a location of choice for many revellers.
"Before heading out on the water, please check the vessel is in good working order and ensure all required safety equipment is on board – especially a lifejacket for every person on the vessel.
"Our Marine Area Command and maritime authorities will be out in force to ensure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are complying with maritime laws.
Details on exclusion zones and movement restriction times can also be found on the Sydney New Year's Eve website.
With large numbers of people expected to celebrate in their local areas, Assistant Commissioner Willing re-affirmed that police will be available where they are needed.
"The community should be reassured that police have a significant, robust and flexible operation in place to ensure the safety of revellers throughout the night," Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
Finally, the community is reminded that a number of road closures and special event clearways will be in place at various locations around Sydney. For more details, visit www.livetraffic.com.
