Qld: Wild weather for New Year's Eve

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-2007
Qld: Wild weather for New Year's Eve

BRISBANE, Dec 29 AAP - Wild weather is expected to dampen New Year's Eve celebrations
in parts of Queensland as police prepare to adopt a low tolerance to excessive drinking
across the state.

Major centres throughout the state are planning to bring in 2008 with public celebrations
including millions of dollars to be spent on fireworks.

However, a Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said chaotic weather which will pummel much
of the coastline this weekend could still be around on New Year's Eve.

"There could be gusty winds and the seas will still be big along coastal areas," the
spokesman said.

Police will adopt a low tolerance approach to excessive public drinking at known troublespots
for New Year's Eve after the policy proved so successful at schoolies.

"We did this pretty much at schoolies and found it was very effective to give them
the message early and they knew what the rules were," Senior Sergeant Michael Fawcett
said.

He said while police would not be adopting a zero tolerance approach on public drinking,
there would be a crackdown.

"(If we adopted zero tolerance) we would be giving tickets to everyone - we can use
our discretion," he said.

Extra police have been rostered on to ensure the safety of party-goers throughout the
state, however exact numbers have not been revealed.

Brisbane will host an evening of entertainment at South Bank Parklands, including movies,
dancing, music and fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight.

Party-goers are being urged to use public transport with train, busway, city cats and
ferries all operational until the early hours of New Year's Day.

In northern Queensland there will be entertainment on the Esplanade at Cairns and a
concert at Palm Cove, again including fireworks.

Townsville will host a gala variety concert at the civic centre and family entertainment
at Riverway from 5pm (AEST) which will include a sideshow alley, music and fireworks at
9pm and midnight (AEST). The popular Strand will also host entertainment and fireworks
throughout the evening.

On the Gold Coast Dreamworld will hold a party, while there will be celebrations at
Surfers Paradise, including four fireworks displays hourly from 9pm (AEST).

There will be various events to bring in 2008 along the Sunshine Coast depending on the weather.

AAP nm/jfm/mn

KEYWORD: EVE QLD

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