Cairns police officers joining New Year’s Eve revellers in force to see in a safe 2025
Cairns police have urged New Year’s Eve revellers to plan their ride home and be respectful while welcoming in 2025, with increased numbers of police patrolling the city and breath testing on Cairns streets.
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Police have urged partygoers heading to the city this New Year’s Eve to plan ahead and look out for those around them.
Acting Inspector Cairns City Patrol Unit, Jason Chetham said a great New Year’s Eve was a safe, well-planned New Year’s Eve.
“New Year’s Eve in Cairns promises to be a great night and we certainly encourage people to come out and enjoy themselves … but we ask that you do this in a responsible manner and to be respectful of everyone on the street around you,” said Inspector Chetham.
“If you do plan to drink alcohol, please plan ahead so you know you have a safe way to get home.
“Whether you’re planning to get public transport, a ride from a friend, taxi or ride share, have that plan in place before you go out.
“That way you don’t make poor decisions at the last minute.
“Do not drink and drive. There will be an increased police presence, a very visible police presence here in the CBD – and so will our highway patrol – out on the streets of greater Cairns so If you do drink and drive, there’s a very good chance you will be found.”
Fireworks will be held in the city at 9pm and midnight, with displays planned for the north and the south of the city also.
A Cairns Regional Council spokesman said some city road closures will be in place from the morning of December 31 to allow for New Year’s Eve preparations and festivities.
Celebrations in the city will begin at 5pm on New Year’s Eve with a four-hour concert on the Western Events Lawn at the Cairns Esplanade featuring DJ Chooky and DJ Bart, along with harmonies from local Anais Campbell Trio.
“Family fireworks will be held at 9pm, allowing the expected sellout crowd from the Cairns Taipans home game time to make their way from the Cairns Convention Centre to the Esplanade,” he said.
A second fireworks display will be held at midnight to welcome in 2025.
Fireworks displays will also be at 8.30pm at Walker Road Sports Precinct in Edmonton, and the Palm Cove jetty.
Road closures
- Cairns Esplanade, Shields Street to Florence Street: Closed from 11am on 31 December to 9am on 2 January
- Cairns Esplanade, Spence Street to Shields Street: Closed from 4.30pm on 31 December to 1am on 1 January
- Cairns Esplanade, from Florence Street Minnie Street: Closed from 7.30pm on 31 December to 1am on 1 January
- Esplanade Dining Precinct from Shields Street to Aplin Street: Closed to all traffic from 11am to 5am daily, until Monday 27 January 2025. Commercial access will be available from 5am to 11am daily, and emergency vehicles will be permitted access at all times.
Originally published as Cairns police officers joining New Year’s Eve revellers in force to see in a safe 2025
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