The Queensland Police Service are well-versed in planning for and managing major events, and Riverfire 2024 was no exception.
Behind the scenes of major events, such as Riverfire, are large policing operations that ensure the community is safe and feels safe.
The Major Events Planning Unit (MEPU) in the Brisbane Region began planning for this year’s event, in the immediate aftermath of Riverfire 2023.
The QPS will always evaluate their police operations after major events to identify areas for improvement.
In February, using the learnings from 2023, MEPU began planning the operational component for Riverfire 2024.
Key factors for consideration included ensuring public safety, managing major road, bridge, river and cycleway closures, and managing estimated crowds of over 450,000 attendees.
On the day of Riverfire, August 31, the Major Events Command Centre (MECC) was stood up, and led by the Riverfire Operations Commander, Superintendent Heath McQueen.
The purpose of the MECC is to oversee the entire major event operation.
MECC liaises with all officers on the ground and key partner agencies who have representatives in the room to streamline communications.
Riverfire crowds lining 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 boat.
Superintendent McQueen said operations flowed smoothly on the night.
“Queensland Police were very satisfied with crowd behaviours and the flow of major road, river, and cycleway closures and reopenings.”
Police charged a 15-year-old Inala boy in Southbank around 7:30pm with possession of a knife in a public place, obstruct police officer and serious assault of police officer.
Police will allege two officers were approached by a member of the public who advised they had observed the boy to have a knife.
As officers approached the boy, he ran, before police soon caught up and attempted to arrest him.
It is alleged during his arrest, the boy physically assaulted officers, including spitting on one of them.
He is expected to appear before Brisbane Childrens Court tomorrow, September 2.
