New South Wales (NSW) Police have launched a highly-visible & mobile policing operation to ensure the safety & security of the community ahead of Sydney New Year’s Eve.
Operation Talisman will be in place tomorrow (Saturday the 31st of December 2016) as millions of people make their way to New Year’s Eve events in & around Sydney as well as other celebrations across the state.
More than 2000 officers will be deployed on the ground, on the water & in the air, focusing on Sydney Harbour & its multiple foreshore areas.
General Duties Officers from Local Area Commands across Sydney will be assisted by specialist units including Police Transport Command, Public Order & Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command & PolAir.
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Frank Mennilli, said police will be prioritising safety & targeting alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour to facilitate the safe passage of crowds as they make their way through the Central Business District (CBD).
“We are prepared for significant crowds who are expected to make their way into the CBD & Sydney Harbour foreshore areas this New Year’s Eve” Acting Deputy Commissioner, Frank Mennilli, said.
“Both uniformed & plain clothed police will be out & about across the multiple event areas to ensure the movement of crowds to vantage points are managed safely. Members of the public are urged to obey the directions of police & event staff as they make their way to their chosen viewing area”
“The public are also reminded to celebrate responsibly & look out for one another. If you choose to have a drink, remember alcohol impairs your judgement & can turn anyone into an offender or victim of crime. The key is to know your limits & drink to moderation” Acting Deputy Commissioner, Frank Mennilli, said.
“Sydney has quickly become known as the world’s premier New Year’s Eve destination so let’s make sure it is memorable for all the right reasons”
NSW Police have been working closely with the City Of Sydney, NSW Government agencies, landowners & other stakeholders in the lead up to the 2016 event.
Operation Talisman Commander, Assistant Commissioner, Mick Fuller, said extensive assessments have been conducted throughout the year & detailed plans will be implemented to ensure traffic, transport, crowd behaviour & security are expertly managed.
“NSW Police, together with our partner agencies, have worked tirelessly to provide a safe & family-friendly environment for New Year’s Eve in Sydney” Assistant Commissioner, Mick Fuller, said.
“We are anticipating large crowds to descend upon Sydney’s foreshore viewing areas for the spectacular fireworks displays at 9pm & Midnight”
“Police & security will be monitoring crowd numbers closely and sites will be closed as soon as they reach capacity & people will be directed away from the area to prevent overcrowding” Assistant Commissioner, Mick Fuller, said.
“We have previously seen several sites reach capacity & close early so we are urging people to arrive early, just in case you have to make your way to another viewing location”
“The community are reminded that ‘Bring Your Own Alcohol’ is prohibited at all vantage points & will be strictly enforced. Anyone who would like to drink should choose a licensed vantage point or licensed premises”
Detailed vantage point information, alcohol-free zones & 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 & transport information to assist revellers in planning their trip to& from the city.
“There will be a large number of major road closures in place throughout New Year’s Eve to facilitate crowd movements & the inspiring fireworks displays” Assistant Commissioner, Mick Fuller, said.
“In addition, there will be special event clearways & significant changes to traffic conditions in the Sydney CBD, North Sydney, Lower North Shore, Inner West & the Harbour foreshore so public transport is certainly your best bet”
“There are, however, thousands of additional train & bus services available to get people to their New Year’s Eve celebrations & home again” Assistant Commissioner, Mick Fuller, said.
“With additional road closures in place this year, pay close attention to signage as your route to & from your chosen vantage point may differ. Event staff & police will be on hand to assist as you make your way home”
“For those who must drive, please exercise patience, be aware of your surroundings & expect major delays particularly at the end of the night when our focus will be on facilitating pedestrian movement”
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.
With significant maritime traffic expected on Sydney Harbour, police & maritime authorities will be out in force to ensure operators of recreational & commercial vessels are complying with maritime laws.
“Similar to foreshore areas, the Harbour will be crowded so skippers are reminded to be alert & aware of other boaters at all times” Assistant Commissioner, Mick Fuller, 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 & check special event maritime information”
“And remember, the alcohol limit is 0.05 – just like on land & with officers conducting random breath tests on the water, it is safer not to drink at all” Assistant Commissioner, Mick Fuller, said.
Visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au & follow the links to ‘Maritime’ for details on exclusion zones & movement restriction times.
Media Release: NSW Police Force
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