Party hearty safely over New Year’s

With the party season well and truly heating up and Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations just around the corner, police and the City of Sydney are encouraging the public to plan ahead and stay safe during the holidays.

Unprecedented numbers are expected in and around Sydney’s CBD for the City’s official festivities and fireworks to welcome-in the New Year which this time around has received creative input from pop princess Kylie Minogue.

The fireworks will be streamed live online for the first time while the City has also released a NYE12 smartphone app that will allow users to take part in an interactive light show.

“For the first time we’re giving people around the world a chance to see this astonishing show as it’s happening,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“The live stream will give people who’ve never seen our New Year’s Eve fireworks, as well as Sydneysiders abroad, a chance to join in on the celebrations.”

Police meanwhile are reminding revellers to ensure they check venue information, particularly food and beverage availability, as there will be more family-friendly, alcohol-prohibited vantage points and designated alcohol-free zones than in previous years.

Major Events and Incidents Group Commander, Assistant Commissioner Alan Clarke, said people should discuss their party plans with family and friends to ensure they factor in possible delays, public transport options, venue details, alcohol-prohibited zones and changes in weather conditions.

“Crowd numbers at all fireworks vantage points will be closely monitored and will be closed to the public as soon as they are full, to prevent overcrowding,” Clarke said.

“The best way to avoid disappointment is to plan ahead. Choose your venue, arrive early and secure a spot.

“And if it’s a hot day, take plenty of water and sunscreen so you make it to midnight.”

The public should also remind that road closures and significant changes to traffic conditions across the CBD and Metropolitan areas will take effect well in advance of the evening’s celebrations, police said.

“There won’t be much to celebrate if you spend your New Year’s Eve stuck in traffic. Leave the car at home and catch a train, bus, or ferry,” Clarke said.

“But remember, consuming alcohol on public transport is not permitted and the Police Transport Command will be all over the network, so your travelling companion could be a police officer.”

For more information, visit sydneynewyearseve.com