Revellers urged to behave or ‘pay the price’, says Premier

Those celebrating New Year’s Eve have been warned to behave or “pay the price” as authorities prepare for more than 350,000 people in the CBD to ring in 2019.

New Year’s Eve revellers have been warned to behave or “pay the price” as they head into the city for the big night of celebration.

More than 350,000 people are expected to ring in 2019 in the CBD.

Premier Daniel Andrews urged people to celebrate with common sense.

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New Year’s Eve revellers have been warned to behave. Picture: Supplied

“If you play up, you’ll pay the price,’’ he said.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton echoed Mr Andrews’s comments, saying that officers would be out in force to deal with misbehaviour.

“We’re not the anti-party police. We will be fair, but we will be firm.’’

Mr Patton said families should still feel safe to go to the beach despite violent attacks at Chelsea Beach overnight.

While frightening to the victims, he said the three assaults in a short period were isolated events across the state and offenders would be dealt with.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said safety and security was paramount.

“Safety is always the number one priority when planning an event of this scale,’’ Cr Capp said.

“You can help by looking out for your mates, reporting any anti-social behaviour to police and partying responsibly.”

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp.

Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton

Mr Andrews also reminded partygoers to respect members of the emergency services and said that new mandatory jail laws for offenders would be enforced.

Mr Patton also told the Herald Sun on Friday that police would be out in force and targeting out-of-control AirBnB parties.

Police would saturate the CBD as well as popular tourist hot spots to ensure everyone celebrates safely.

Premier Daniel Andrews says New Year’s Eve revellers who play up and break the law will pay the price. ⁦@theheraldsun⁩ #nyeve pic.twitter.com/jNhoWxSJNm

— Ian Royall (@IanRoyall) December 28, 2018

Cr Capp said the council has been working closely with police, Ambulance Victoria, the MFB and PTV to ensure the smooth running of New Year’s Eve,

“New Year’s Eve is a major event so revellers should prepare themselves for delays getting to and from the city,” she said.

All public transport — trains, trams, buses and V/Line services — will be free from 6pm on Monday until 6am on New Year’s Day.

Image: City of Melbourne

Families can attend the early fireworks at 9.30pm in Yarra Park.

The midnight display will run for 10 minutes and will cover seven square kilometres of central Melbourne.

A total of 14 tonnes of fireworks will be launched from 22 rooftops.

Live sites will be set up at Kings Domain, Docklands, Treasury Gardens and Flagstaff Gardens from 9pm to 1am.

@IanRoyall

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