Mornington Peninsula New Year’s Eve revellers warned by police
It’s the busiest party night of the year, and thousands of people will descend on the Mornington Peninsula. But if you’re thinking about New Year’s Eve fireworks or fancy drinking on the beach — know the rules.
South East
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It’s one of the hottest New Year’s Eve party spots in Victoria, and thousands of revellers are again expected to descend on the Mornington Peninsula.
Popular suburbs, like Rye, Rosebud and Sorrento, will be bursting with visitors, and police are warning people to be on their best behaviour.
“Frontline police will have a highly visible presence in the area and will be supported by regional resources including the Highway Patrol, Frontline Tactical Unit, Crime Investigation Unit and Proactive Policing Unit,” Mornington Peninsula Local Area Commander Inspector Janene Denton said.
“We want everyone in the Mornington Peninsula to enjoy themselves safely and responsibly, so we’ll be focusing on anti-social behaviour, violence, and drink and drug driving.
“Enjoy yourself this New Year’s Eve and celebrate the year that was, but please drink responsibly and keep an eye out for your mates.”
Insp Denton reminded revellers there will be an alcohol ban in public places from 9pm December 30 until midnight January 1.
“If you are found to be drinking alcohol or are carrying alcohol in a public place, police will issue you with a penalty notice,” she said.
She also warned only a licensed pyrotechnician is permitted to use fireworks and use by anyone else is “illegal and dangerous”.
“You can be charged with a criminal offence for possession of an explosive, jailed for up to 15 years and fined thousands of dollars.”
Police will also be continuing Operation Roadwise, targeting drink, drug, speeding and distracted drivers.
“If you’re having a few drinks, make sure you’ve planned how to get home without driving,” Insp Denton said.
“There will also be a lot more pedestrians out and about celebrating, especially in entertainment precincts, so everyone needs to look up and look out for each other.”
In 2006, a mass brawl on the Rye foreshore soured New Year celebrations, and in 2012 David Cassai was struck and killed in a one-punch attack but New Year’s Eve celebrations have been civil in recent years.
Ambulance Victoria acting director emergency management Justin Dunlop said they would have extra paramedics and resources on duty, but called on partygoers to do their part.
“Calls for ambulance assistance peaks in the early hours of New Year’s Day and many of these are for cases where people simply didn’t take care of themselves or others,” he said.
“Let your hair down, by all means, but take precautions to avoid seeing in the new year in the back of an ambulance.
“Stay away from drugs and if you are drinking alcohol, drink plenty of water between drinks.”
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Mr Dunlop urged people to respect and make way if they saw paramedics on bikes and motorbikes, and called for common sense when deciding on medical help.
“We’re an emergency service and will be there for you in a medical crisis but for minor issues, consider whether a GP or other options might be more appropriate,” he said.
“Going to hospital by ambulance does not get you seen any faster in the often-crowded emergency departments.
“Look after yourself so that you won’t need us to look after you – our wish is for everyone to have a memorable, happy and safe start to 2020.”