Victorians urged to make safety a priority this New Year’s Eve

The Victorian Government is collaborating with Victoria Police, emergency services and local councils to prioritise safety this New Year’s Eve to ensure everyone can enjoy the occasion and events across the state.

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 State Government.

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.

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.

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.