Margie Maccoll
There was joy and happiness on Noosa Main Beach last Friday night as about 5000 teenagers, many 13-16 years, arrived to celebrate the New Year filled with hope for the future.
The positive atmosphere that radiated as youths greeted old friends and new was a notable replacement of last year’s aggressive vibe. It was welcomed by police who corralled the crowd on the beach and was no doubt aided by police removal of large quantities of alcohol.
Police from Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) and mounted police from Brisbane operated from a temporary base set up in Hastings Street alongside a medical unit set up by Queensland Ambulance Services officers and a base for Red Frogs Support Network.
Acting senior sergeant Troy Cavell said police began work earlier in the day, intercepting young people as they arrived and confiscating thousands of dollars worth of alcohol, including litre bottles of spirits.
“We were there to control the crowd, not police the crowd,“ he said.
“We didn’t think it was too bad. Not too many fights were happening. There were about half a dozen arrests – disorderly conduct and three minor drug charges. CPIU detectives were down there and dealt with it. They were kids who were cautioned and moved on.“
QAS provided care to about 30 people on the night, mostly involving cuts and drunkenness with no serious injuries.
Sng Sgt Cavell said many youths left about 12.30pm to catch the last free buses leaving at 1am. He said a rain shower about 3am dispersed the remainder of the crowd and by 3.30am with night clubs closed, the police wrapped up their operation.
He said most of the kids were respectful and acknowledged the police for their work. Parents had told him their kids felt safe there.
As the kids took over Main Beach, others celebrated undisturbed at restaurants along Hastings Street and across the shire while families headed to the Noosa River for fireworks and entertainment at Noosa Marina and Noosa Boathouse.
“I just think this will be Noosa on New Year,“ Snr Sgt Cavell said.
