It’s safe to party like it’s 2017 on New Year’s Eve

BEEFED-up police numbers and scores of CCTV cameras will monitor Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve celebrations to ­ensure public safety.

Extra police and scores of CCTV cameras will monitor Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve celebrations to ­ensure public safety.

BEEFED-up police numbers and scores of CCTV cameras will monitor Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve celebrations to ­ensure public safety.

City leaders and emergency services have declared the city ready to deal with an influx of almost 500,000 revellers.

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Victoria Police Commander Russell Barrett reassured Victorians there was no immediate terror threat, following last week’s foiled terror attack.

Police, including the mounted, water, air and public order units, will be out in force during the celebrations.

“Revellers will see an ­extremely strong police presence,” he said.

“We know people might be concerned about the events of last week.

“We say to people to come and enjoy all there is on offer within the City of Melbourne for the New Year’s Eve celebrations.”

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Lord mayor Robert Doyle says he is always nervous about New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police will also target anti-social behaviour and minimise the risks of crowd crush as ­people pour into the CBD and “live sites” with entertainment and views of the fireworks.

Both Commander Barrett and Ambulance Victoria’s Andy Watson warned against ringing in 2017 with too much booze.

“We want to see people go home, preferably by public transport and not in the back of an ambulance via hospital,” Mr Watson said.

“Particularly be respectful of our workforce that is out there to do nothing but provide the optional amount of care that they can to people who set about enjoying themselves in the city.”

Melbourne’s cool forecast for New Year’s Eve — with a top of 24C predicted — has brought some relief for city fire services.

MFB acting deputy chief officer David Bruce warned revellers not to mess with illegal fireworks.

But MFB acting chief officer David Bruce warned that illegal fireworks should not be messed with.

Two men suffered burns and more than 40 fires were sparked by illegal fireworks across Victoria last year.

“Stay away from illegal fireworks which are unpredictable and we do have a number of injuries each year out of those fireworks,” Mr Bruce said.

The “meticulously planned” celebrations will be overseen by an operations centre with transport, emergency and council officers.

“We are always a bit nervous every year,” Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said.

“You don’t often throw a party for 500,000 of your best friends but when they come over you better be ready. And we are.”