Queenslanders off to a great start in 2017

Police have praised the behaviour of Queensland’s New Year revellers, with crowd numbers roughly the same or slightly down on last year, while arrests were also down.

There were 411 arrests across the state last night, mostly for public order and drug-related offences – 125 fewer than last year.

A total of 186 street and liquor infringement notices were issued throughout Queensland.

An estimated 70,000 people were at South Bank to ring in 2017.

Across Brisbane, 88 people were arrested – 40 of those in Fortitude Valley – with 19 street and liquor infringement notices issued.

24 people were issued banning notices.

On the Gold Coast, crowds were generally well behaved with 51 arrests amongst a crowd of 50,000 at Surfers Paradise, 20,000 at Broadbeach, 10,000 at Coolangatta and around 5,000 each at celebrations at Southport, Paradise Point, Coomera and Palm Beach.

On the Sunshine Coast, the crowd was down on previous years, but 25,000 still celebrated the New Year at Mooloolaba.

2,000 people are estimated to have counted down to 2017 at Noosa and about 5,000 around Caloundra.

51 people were arrested and 23 liquor and street infringement notices were issued.

Well over 10,000 enjoyed the fireworks in Townsville, with a very well-behaved crowd – only eight people were arrested last night and 14 street and liquor infringement notices issued.

Between 10 and 15,000 celebrated New Year’s Eve in Cairns.

Crews were mainly focussed on noise complaints and minor disturbances in the suburbs, with crowds in the Safe Night Precinct generally well-behaved.

21 people were arrested and only two infringement notices issued.
Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said he was pleased the vast majority of Queenslanders had a safe and happy start to the New Year.

“Police were certainly kept busy across Queensland last night, but I am pleased that overall, crowds were well-behaved that, for the most part, they heeded our message to play it safe,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“Of course, there were a few people who chose to ignore our warnings and managed to sour the New Year’s Eve experience for themselves and those around them, but I am very grateful that they were in the minority.

“I want to thank all of our hard-working crews who were on the beat last night instead of celebrating the festive season with their own loved ones – your dedication is very much appreciated.

“I wish all Queenslanders the very best for the year ahead. We will do everything we can to keep you safe in 2017.”

Notable incidents:

Brisbane:

Two men have been charged after an alleged disturbance that resulted in two taxi drivers and one taxi marshal being assaulted on Ann Street in Fortitude Valley around 3.15am.

Sunshine Coast:

A 19-year-old man is in a critical condition after falling roughly six stories from a balcony at a Mooloolaba Esplanade apartment complex in Mooloolaba around 8.30pm.

He was transported to Nambour Hospital.

Ipswich:

A male constable suffered a deep laceration to his hand during the arrest of a 17-year-old Yamanto man for public nuisance at the intersection of Queen and Alice Streets around 1am.

During the altercation a glass bottle smashed which injured the officer and the man.

The man was treated at Ipswich Hospital for a minor injury.

The officer was transported to St Andrews Hospital for treatment where it is expected he will require surgery to his hand.

A 17-year-old man has been issued with a notice to appear in Court for public nuisance.

Gladstone:

Around 12.35am police attended Goondoon Street in Gladstone after a 25-year-old man fell eight metres onto train tracks.

He suffered serious spinal and internal injuries and was transported to the Gladstone Base Hospital.