New Year’s Eve in Melbourne is set to dazzle with a seven-minute midnight fireworks display and a new multi-directional laser show, as an unprecedented police presence ensures safety for the anticipated 500,000 revellers in the CBD. A total of 2,500 police officers will be on duty Wednesday night, including 500 stationed in the inner city.
The deployment includes general duty officers, supported by specialists from the public order response team, mounted police, and the critical incident response team (CIRT). “Community safety is a paramount responsibility for our government, and that’s why we’re focused on having more police than ever on the beat this New Year,” stated acting Police Minister Enver Erdogan. “I want to stress that there’s absolutely no threat to any event in Victoria. But we’re taking absolutely every precaution,” he added.
Enhanced Security Measures
While CIRT officers will carry heavy weaponry, their public visibility on New Year’s Eve will be minimal.
“They’ll be in their cars so they can get to where they need to be really quickly,”
explained Victoria Police acting commander Troy Papworth, contrasting their visibility to recent foot patrols during the Boxing Day Test.
Designated areas for random weapon searches under the Weapons Control Act will be declared along the St Kilda foreshore and in Geelong’s CBD. These controversial powers, allowing officers to search without a warrant, were previously implemented in Melbourne’s CBD for six months starting November. “It’s not a measure that we really want to take, but we understand that it’s a measure that we do have to take,” Papworth remarked.
Celebrations and Logistics
Melbourne’s CBD will host a multimillion-dollar fireworks display, complemented by free activities and music performances. Four family-friendly celebration zones—Docklands, Kings Domain, Flagstaff Gardens, and Treasury Gardens—will welcome attendees at no cost.
Public transport will be free from 6 PM Wednesday to 6 AM Thursday, with extended service hours. Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station will operate 24 hours to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece highlighted the fireworks display, costing approximately $6 million, as the best in the country. “We’ve got the biggest and best show yet. It’s also the best organised New Year’s Eve we’ve ever put on,” Reece stated. The event is expected to generate over $75 million in economic activity.
Fireworks and Laser Spectacle
Planning for the fireworks began in May, culminating in a seven-minute display featuring a new multi-directional laser show. According to master pyrotechnician Rusty Johnson, the display will be visible from as far as Frankston and the Dandenong Ranges.
“We’re firing [from] 27 rooftops this year with a combination of fireworks, lasers, colours … it’s the best way to bring masses of people together to have a good time,”
Johnson said.
The announcement comes as cities worldwide bolster security for New Year’s Eve celebrations, reflecting a global trend towards heightened vigilance during large public gatherings. The move represents a commitment to ensuring public safety while maintaining the festive spirit of the occasion.
As Melbourne prepares for its grand New Year’s Eve celebration, the combination of enhanced security and spectacular entertainment promises a memorable night for all attendees.
