Senior police are urging the community to plan ahead and celebrate Australia Day safely.
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Millions of Australians are expected to gather with family and friends to celebrate our national day at events and parties across NSW on Sunday (26 January 2014).
Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch launched Operation Shoreline today (Friday 24 January 2014), which will see large numbers of additional police deployed across the state to ensure a safe and enjoyable day for everyone.
Operation Shoreline is a high-visibility policing strategy involving General Duties police, with assistance from specialist commands including Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Public Order & Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Licensing Police, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, PolAir and Marine Area Command.
Assistant Commissioner Murdoch encouraged the community to celebrate everything that’s great about the country but to do so safely.
“Our police operation will include officers from across the state to ensure all Australians and tourists have a safe and enjoyable day,” Assistant Commissioner Murdoch said.
“We aren’t trying to stop people from having a good time; it’s about looking out for yourself, your family and your mates so you can all share many more good times.
“Act responsibly and know your limits. Think before you drink – don’t ruin your day before it starts,” Assistant Commissioner Murdoch said.
In addition, police are reminding the community to check event information, especially relating to alcohol-free zones, as police will take action against anyone found in possession of alcohol in these areas.
For details about what’s happening in your area and event-related information, visit the Australia Day website: http://www.australiaday.com.au/
Police have been working with the Australia Day Council to ensure all Australians and their mates have an enjoyable day.
“Every Local Area Command in NSW will be involved in Operation Shoreline to make sure everyone can celebrate and have a good time – and anyone caught trying to ruin it for others could spend their Australia Day in a cell,” Assistant Commissioner Murdoch said.
“Significant crowds are expected in Sydney, particularly around the harbour, and we want to keep these events family-friendly.
“There will be road closures, special event clearways and changes to traffic conditions across the CBD and metropolitan areas, so if you’re headed out to an event, catch public transport.
“Remember, public transport is for everyone, so if you play up, expect the Police Transport Command to lock you up.”
A complete Australia Day transport guide is available on the events page at: www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500 to plan your trip.
“If you must drive, plan ahead, check the special event information on livetraffic.com and prepare for delays.
“One of the most important plans you need to make for the day is how you plan to get home and if you’re planning to drink, don’t drive.
“We will have marked and unmarked police cars on patrol, so you will get caught,” Assistant Commissioner Murdoch said.
Australia Day is traditionally the busiest day of the year on Sydney Harbour, and police and maritime authorities are urging skippers to be vigilant with their safety.
“Marine Area Command will be out in force to keep the waterways safe by ensuring operators of recreational and commercial vessels are compliant with maritime laws,” Assistant Commissioner Murdoch said.
“As the skipper, it is up to you to make sure you are carrying all the required safety equipment and that your vessel is in good condition.
“Most importantly, alcohol and water don’t mix. If you’re thinking of drinking while boating, think again – the same ‘drink-driving’ rules apply on the water as they do on our roads,” Assistant Commissioner Murdoch said.For anyone heading out onto the water, exclusion zones and movement times apply. Please visit www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/ for details.