Brisbane’s NYE: Largely Peaceful

Brisbane police have extended their gratitude to the approximately 40,000 New Year’s Eve celebrants whose orderly conduct marked the festivities across key venues such as Southbank, Howard Smith Wharves, and Queens Wharf. This commendation also extends to participants in Safe Night Precincts and additional event locations throughout the city.

Despite the large gatherings, police reported just seven arrests linked to 10 offences ranging from public nuisances and drug possession to the possession of prohibited items like scissors, a knife, and a box cutter, detected during routine wand searches. A notable incident involved the arrest of a 36-year-old man on Felix Street following a disturbance with two teenagers, leading to minor injuries from a pair of scissors. The police response was swift, and investigations are currently ongoing.

The successful management of the event was the culmination of extensive planning by the Brisbane Major Events Planning Unit (MEPU), which began early in the year following reviews of previous events. The robust police operation encompassed not only ground patrols but also units on water, air surveillance, and coordination from the State Police Operations Centre (SPOC), ensuring a comprehensive safety net over the city’s celebrations. Acting Chief Superintendent Heath McQueen highlighted the effectiveness of the large-scale police presence in quickly mitigating minor incidents, ensuring that the majority of attendees could enjoy their evening safely. Highway Patrol was also active with random tests and road enforcements to deter unsafe driving behaviors. Police efforts continue into New Year’s Day, reminding motorists of the ongoing enforcement on local roads.

Overall, the police force’s proactive strategies and community cooperation contributed to a New Year’s Eve that was both festive and safe, setting a positive tone for the year ahead in Brisbane.