Queensland police made limited arrests on Saturday night as hundreds of thousands of people ventured into Brisbane City for Riverfire.
With crowd estimates ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 for the fireworks curtain-raiser to the month-long Brisbane Festival, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) reported the crowd was well behaved.
Riverfire Operations Commander, Acting Superintendent Stewart Day said only 11 people were arrested for offences such as public nuisance and minor driving offences.
Acting Superintendent Day said four people were issued with move on directions.
He said behind the scenes a large policing operation ensured the community was safe and felt safe.
“Early this year, using the learnings from Riverfire 2024 – in addition to decades of local major event experience – the Brisbane Major Events Planning Unit (MEPU) began planning the operational component for Riverfire 2025.”
Acting Superintendent Day said key factors for consideration included police resourcing to ensure public safety, managing major road, bridge, river and cycleway closures, and managing large crowds.
He the State Police Operations Centre (SPOC), was stood up, to oversee the major event operation.
“General duties police in addition to supporting units including Water Police, Brisbane City Bike Squad, Highway Patrol, Tactical Crime Squad, Criminal Investigations Branch, POLAIR, Child Protection and Investigation Unit, Road Policing Command and partner agencies assisted throughout the night.
“SPOC liaised with all officers on the ground and key partner agencies who had representatives in the room to streamline communications.”
Acting Superintendent Day said police were also part of the entertainment as spectators who lined the bank of the Brisbane River were treated to a performance by the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums band, who performed from a patrolling Water Police vessel.
