Thousands of people are expected to flock to the waterfront to ring in the New Year with two fireworks displays to light up the skies at 9.30pm and again at midnight.
The best viewing points are on Western Beach, Eastern Beach and Steam Packet Gardens.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj is urging revelers to enjoy the night and not ruin it for anyone else. “We want everyone to feel safe. We want everyone to be able to have fun. And that’s what I really ask is people be respectful and just to enjoy themselves in a very family friendly way”.
The influx of people coming into the city to celebrate will see more police on the streets. The Geelong CBD has been declared a ‘designated area’, giving police more power to frisk revelers and weed out any trouble makers.
“Designating the CBD in that way is common practice in the lead up to big events such as New Year’s Eve. It just gives police extra powers to ensure that everyone in that precinct is there for the right reason. It gives reassurance to the public that they can come into the CBD safely”.
Protective Services Officers will also have a very visible presence of rail operations out of the Geelong Rail Hub across the evening. Travel into Melbourne is free after 6pm. The first service from Melbourne to all regional destinations on New Year’s Day will also be free.
Police are also warning against the use of illegal fireworks. More than 280 reports of fireworks related incidents were reported last year.
