Police issue ‘zero tolerance’ safety warning to motorists and beachgoers ahead of Australia Day celebrations

Police are urging revellers to plan ahead this Australia Day weekend, as large crowds are expected to gather across the country for celebrations. 

Operation Australia Day will commence in New South Wales from Wednesday with a highly-visible police presence on roads, at planned events and other public spaces.  

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said police will be out in force to ensure Australians mark the day “in a safe and responsible way”. 

“No matter how you plan to spend the day, I encourage everyone to be sensible and respectful and look after each other,” Mr Toole said.

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“Police will be out in force across the state to crack down on anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime to make sure everyone marks the day safely.”

Mr Toole reminded motorists double demerits kick in from 12.01am on Wednesday to 11.59pm on Sunday.

“So if you’re travelling during this time make sure you watch your speed and stay off your phone while driving,” he said. 

Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said police will be patrolling “on the ground, in the air and on the water”.

“Community safety is always the number one priority for NSW Police, and with that in mind, anyone found to be ruining the day for others will be dealt with accordingly,” Mr Hegarty said. 

“Our message is clear: make this an Australia Day to remember, not one you’d rather forget. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, so be safe, look out for your mates, and know your limits.”

Victoria Police said it will be taking a “zero tolerance” approach to safety as revellers are expected to flock to Melbourne beaches tomorrow. 

Superintendent Wayne Newman from the Specialist Response Division said a police blitz will take place across Port Phillip Bay.

“We’ll have zero tolerance for anyone who puts other water users at risk, so help us out and make smart decisions this weekend,” he said.

Mr Hegarty said officers from the water police, air wing, dog squad and public order response teams will be patrolling waterways and beaches over the next four days.

He said police will be targeting anti-social behaviour on beaches and foreshores while boat and jet ski rider behaviour will be a focus on the water. 

“We want everyone to enjoy Victoria’s beaches and waterways this weekend, but we want them to do it safely,” Superintendent Newman said.

“That’s why we’ve teamed up with a number of specialist and local units to ensure our presence is highly visible.”

In Queensland, police will be monitoring public spaces for any anti-social behaviour, particularly alcohol-related offences. 

Members of the community are being reminded public alcohol consumption is prohibited and could attract fines of up to $134.

Police have also warning motorists of road closures as large crowds are expected to gather at the The Spit in Main Beach on the Gold Coast. 

The road closure will apply from 8pm Wednesday to 4pm Thursday for Moondarewa Spit access road at the intersection with the Doug Jennings Park Ring Road.

Police are advising travelling in the vicinity may lead to delays due to traffic volume and diversions in place.