- Published:
- Thursday 28 December 2023
Victorians are being urged to make safety a priority this New Year’s Eve to ensure everyone can enjoy the occasion. The Allan Labor Government will be working closely with Victoria Police, emergency services and local councils to remind everyone to celebrate responsibly and ensure 2024 gets off to a safe start for everyone.
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines today joined City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp AO, Victoria Police Acting Commander Craig Peel and emergency services organisations to announce the safety measures in place to protect Victorians during this festive time.
Melbourne’s CBD is set to ring in 2024 with a fireworks and laser display – lighting up the city from across 27 CBD rooftops. With more than 400,000 people expected, New Year’s Eve brings more people into the city at one time than any other event.
People are encouraged to view the fireworks from the four celebration zones located at Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Kings Domain. These family-friendly areas will feature DJs, dance workshops and live entertainment, as well as local fireworks displays.
The New Year’s Eve celebrations are supported by the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Labor Government.
Victoria Police will be out in force across the state with uniform and plain clothes officers carrying out extra patrols throughout the night targeting anti social behaviour, violence, and drink and drug driving.
Security in the city will be supported by additional wardens and security guards monitoring behaviour as well as seven kilometres of fencing to manage crowds in key CBD areas.
There will be major changes to regular traffic and pedestrian access on the night to ensure crowds move around safely. People should plan ahead by checking the closures and detours at nye.melbourne.vic.gov.au.
Victoria Police will use specialist squads where needed including water police, mounted branch, public order response team and air wing.
Protective Services Officers (PSOs) will be on trams, trains and train stations around Melbourne CBD, and in key areas across the state including Geelong, Ballarat, Frankston, Bendigo and Traralgon.
Victoria Police will also have a strong presence on Victorian roads, targeting motorists who are drug and alcohol affected, speeding, driving dangerously, not wearing seatbelts, on their phones or otherwise distracted.
Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras are also out in force and can be deployed to up to 200 locations across Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Anthony Carbines
“We want to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves and safely celebrating the start of 2024, whether they’re in Melbourne’s CBD, regional Victoria or at home.”
“While Victoria Police and PSOs will do their part in protecting the community, it’s important to remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility and it’s up to all of us to keep an eye out for each other this New Year’s Eve.”
Quotes attributable to City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“New Year’s Eve in the city is a vibe like no other – with a spectacular display of fireworks, lasers and family-friendly fun across the city.”
“The best of Melbourne will be on full display, with hundreds of thousands of people set to bring in 2024 in style. This is our busiest night of the year – so please plan ahead, and book in to one of our four, free celebration zones, or secure yourself a seat at any of our world-class hospitality and entertainment venues.”