Designated areas for police to search for weapons will also be declared along the St Kilda foreshore and in the Geelong CBD.
The controversial powers allow officers to search people randomly without a warrant, under the Weapons Control Act. In November areas in and around Melbourne’s CBD were deemed a designated area for six months.
“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. We don’t make any apologies for putting in these designated areas,” Papworth said.
Those celebrating in Melbourne’s CBD will be treated to a multimillion-dollar firework display, as well as a range of free activities and music performances.
There will be four designated celebration zones – in Docklands, Kings Domain, Flagstaff Gardens and Treasury Gardens – which are family-friendly and free to enter.
Public transport will be free between 6pm on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday. Services will run on an extended timetable. Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station will both be open for 24 hours.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece spruiked the fireworks display, which will cost about $6 million, calling it the best in the country. There will be a 9.30pm show for families, as well as the traditional midnight display.
Rusty Johnson (centre) and team preparing fireworks for the New Year’s Eve display.Credit: Justin McManus
“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 said. “We’re expecting to generate more than $75 million in extra activity this year off the back of revellers coming into the city and celebrating in style.”
Co-ordination of the fireworks display began in May and the final production is expected to last about seven minutes. This year will also feature a new multi-directional laser display.
People as far away as Frankston and the Dandenong Ranges will be able to catch the show, according to master pyrotechnician Rusty Johnson.
“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.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
