Where to see the fireworks

THE temperature will soar from 29°c to 35°c in Melbourne on Saturday and Sunday, December 31 and January 1, driving what is expected to be a huge crowd to Phillip Island, Inverloch and other coastal locations where temps will range from 24°c to 39°c each day.

There’s already a big crowd here now, circulating around the streets, looking for food, drink and other supplies, in between walks on the beach, swimming and surfing.

There’ll be much more of that over the New Year’s Eve weekend as music events and fireworks displays attract the crowds and attempt to keep the masses entertained.

Locally you can see fireworks at the following locations:

• Coronet Bay: Saturday, December 31, 2022 9.30pm: New Year's Eve at the Coronet Bay Foreshore will once again be lit up with a firework display at the family friendly time of 9:30pm.
• Inverloch: Saturday, December 31, 2022 9.30pm, Where: Inverloch Recreation Reserve, Sandymount Ave, Inverloch. Cost: Free.
• Cowes: Saturday, December 31, 2022 9.30pm: This year celebrate New Year's Eve on The Esplanade at Cowes and bring your family along to enjoy a family friendly fireworks display, starting at 9:30pm.

Hoons and idiots beware

A certain hoon element is anticipated, but Victoria Police say they will “maintain a strong, highly visible presence across Victoria this New Year’s Eve as revellers welcome 2023”.

Thousands of police including general duties members and specialist units will patrol Melbourne’s CBD, regional centres and key holiday destinations, including Phillip Island and Inverloch, as part of an extensive effort to ensure an enjoyable and safe night for everyone.

“With hundreds of thousands of people expected to come into Melbourne’s CBD for the major fireworks display, the city will be a key focus for police,” they say.

“Foreshore locations will also be a focus with hot weather predicted.”

Police have warned they will take “swift action against anyone intent on causing trouble”.

“Melbourne’s CBD, St Kilda foreshore, the Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast and Phillip Island have all been declared designated areas under the Control of Weapons Act, giving police additional search powers.

“Uniform police will be supported by the AirWing, Highway Patrol, Public Order Response Team and Water Police right across the state to ensure celebrations are safe.

“The highly trained Critical Incident Response Team will also patrol the CBD, inner city and places of mass gatherings ready to respond to any incidents that may arise.

“Protective services officers (PSOs) will be out across the public transport network making sure revellers get to and from celebrations safely. Their presence will extend to regional areas including Geelong, Ballarat, Frankston, Bendigo and Traralgon.”

On the roads, police say they will be paying particular attention to drug and drink driving, with alcohol and drug testing vehicles to be set up in key locations both on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

“Motorists are advised there will be road closures in Melbourne’s CBD, Southbank and Docklands to support four celebration zones being set up in the city. Closures will also be in place in suburban and regional areas hosting public celebrations.

“Illegal fireworks are a continued concern on New Year’s Eve, with police warning such activity poses a real risk of serious injury and fire. Anyone caught using illegal fireworks can face up to 15 years’ jail and substantial fines.

Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent has urged the community to look after themselves and their friends during the celebrations.

“Victoria Police is looking forward to safely bringing in the new year with the community in our cities, towns and popular holiday destinations,” DC Nugent said.

“There will be a strong and dedicated police presence right across the state to ensure celebrations are kept safe and people who make it unsafe, or harm others are held to account.

“Everyone needs to be aware of their own personal responsibility to look after themselves and others this New Year’s Eve. We know excessive drinking and use of illicit drugs can lead to devastating consequences including violent crime, serious assault, anti-social behaviour and road trauma.

“If you are planning to come into the city or celebrations anywhere in the state to cause trouble – don’t. Police will take swift action against anyone intent on causing trouble

“Make sure you plan ahead and work out how you are going to get to and from your destination – it would be devastating to think that someone might not live to enjoy 2023 because of a bad decision made on New Year’s Eve.”