Thousands of NSW Police officers will be out in force to ensure everyone welcomes the New Year in a safe and enjoyable way.
NSW Police with today (Monday 30 December 2024), launch it's largest operation of the year ahead of New Year's Eve 2024.
Thousands are expected to gather on the Sydney Harbour foreshore – and other events across NSW – to watch fireworks and usher in 2025 with family and friends.
General duties officers from every police area command and police district across the state will be assisted by specialist officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Licensing Police, Mounted and Dog Command, Marine Area Command, and PolAir.
Central Metropolitan Region and Operation New Year's Eve 2024 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said large numbers of officers, both in uniform and plain clothes, would patrol the CBD and foreshore areas of Sydney, and other events across the state, as part of a mobile and high-visibility policing response.
"We want everyone to enjoy their New Year's Eve celebrations in a safe and responsible way," Assistant Commission McKenna said.
"People planning on coming to the city for free vantage points are urged to get in early to avoid missing out. If a location becomes full, do not attend and find an alternative location.
"Police will not tolerate dangerous, criminal or anti-social behaviour.
"We ask people to drink responsibly, know their limit and avoid starting 2025 in the back of a police truck."
The public is encouraged to leave their car at home and utilise public transport as there will be major road closures and special event clearways in place throughout the CBD on New Year's Eve and into New Year's Day.
Police Transport Command officers will be travelling on trains, light rail, metro, buses, and ferries, targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour, including anyone drinking alcohol.
"It is illegal to drink alcohol on public transport," Assistant Commissioner McKenna said. "Don't ruin a good night out for yourself or others with foolish behaviour that you will come to regret."
This year will be the first time the Sydney Metro will be in use on New Year's Eve, and metro station staff and police will be at stations to manage crowd movements.
"We encourage everyone to be patient and check timetables for closures or changes to the transport network," Assistant Commissioner McKenna said.
People are also reminded that a licence is required to purchase or use fireworks, as illegal fireworks can result in serious injury, damage to property and/or fire.
Police will be out in force to ensure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are compliant with maritime laws.
"The same 'drink-driving' rules apply on the water as they do on our roads," Assistant Commissioner McKenna said. "Boaters should make sure they have all the necessary safety and emergency equipment.
"Specialist police will conduct drug and alcohol testing, as well as compliance checks on vessels, so please be smart and safe."
Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins encouraged people to make an early New Year's resolution to catch public transport to and from their December 31 celebrations and take the stress out of the evening.
"As always we will have thousands of extra public transport services – that's extra trains, buses and light rails – but on top of all that, this year for the first time we have Sydney Metro online from Tallawong to Sydenham, with services running throughout the night," Coordinator-General Collins said.
"This is Transport's busiest two days of the year, operating round the clock for almost 48 hours to move Sydneysiders and visitors to and from New Year's celebrations, family events, shopping in the sales and all the other great things to do."
NSW Ambulance Assistant Commissioner Brent Armitage, Director Control Centres, encourages people to celebrate the new year safely.
"NSW Ambulance is prepared and ready to respond to medical emergencies but we urge our community to celebrate responsibly, whether you are at a party, watching fireworks or enjoying time on the water, please plan ahead and avoid risky behaviours," Assistant Commissioner Armitage said.
"As you celebrate the new year, remember to look out for one another and stay safe."
For important hints and tips for the evening, and information on alcohol-free zones, please visit the Sydney New Year's Eve website: www.sydneynewyearseve.com
For New Year's Eve travel advice, visit transportnsw.info/sydney-nye. For real-time updates on traffic conditions, including road closures, visit livetraffic.com.
Visit https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Maritime for details on exclusion zones and movement restriction times.
