The Queensland Police Service is busy finalising preparations to ensure one of Brisbane's biggest events, Riverfire, is safe and secure for everyone heading out to watch the fireworks spectacle.
With over 450,000 people expected to be in the city for the celebration tomorrow, Saturday August 31, police encourage everyone to allow extra travel time.
Remember that major road, bridge, and cycleway closures will come into effect tomorrow, together with some parking restrictions.
Impacted bridges include Victoria Bridge, Goodwill Bridge, Neville Bonner Bridge, Story Bridge, and Captain Cook Bridge.
Motorists can expect delays and traffic congestion at road closures in Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley, around Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point, South Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha, Mt Gravatt, and along the Brisbane River.
Impacted cycleways, walkways and viewing points include Mangrave walk, The Landing, Eagle Street and the New Farm Riverwalk.
The Brisbane River will be closed to vessels without a permit from 5pm to 8.45pm on Saturday evening between Kinellan Point, New Farm to Mowbray Park, then upstream to the Go-Between bridge.
Details of the exact closures and timings can be found at Road, bridge and river closures for Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust | Brisbane Festival 2024 – Brisbane Festival.
All Riverfire attendees are encouraged to check there are no changes to public transport and make sure you plan ahead, particularly as there is a game on at the Suncorp stadium with over 42,000 attendees earlier that night.
Riverfire Operations Commander, Superintendent Heath McQueen encourages attendees to remember that Riverfire is a family-friendly event.
"Public safety is our top priority and I encourage all attendees to be patient, considerate and respectful towards others," Superintendent McQueen says.
"We will have extra police officers on patrol throughout the city, South Bank, Kangaroo Point and other vantage points across Brisbane, supported by specialist police and partner agency capabilities."
Superintendent McQueen says Riverfire spectators should drink responsibly and only within designated areas.
"Everyone heading to Southbank should be aware that it will be fenced off and drinking alcohol there is not permitted." he says.
"Security will be conducting random bag checks - no sharp objects, glass, opened bottles or cans will be permitted inside the parklands."
"Residents and visitors should never, under any circumstances, leave bags unattended in a public place."
Police will continue to have a zero-tolerance for unsafe driving practices, Superintendent McQueen says. It's simple, if you are over the limit - do not drive.
"We want everyone who chooses to head out and celebrate Riverfire to have a safe and fun experience," he said.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
