Revellers get drink warning
Police have warned that mums, dads and anyone else drinking alcohol outside designated zones at tomorrow's Skyworks risk a $200 fine.
More than 1100 officers will be at the Skyworks - expected to be the biggest mobilisation of police this year - with instructions to crack down on antisocial behaviour and violence.
Cdr Murray Smalpage, head of Australia Day police operations, said the deployment was bigger than recent years because Australia Day was on a Saturday.
That meant organisers were preparing for a bigger turnout and a possible migration of revellers from the foreshore to Perth's entertainment precincts after the fireworks.
Cdr Smalpage said the designated alcohol zones were at Kings Park and Langley Park and anyone caught drinking outside them could be fined.
People in the zones are allowed a six-pack of beer or pre-mixed drinks, or one bottle of wine per person to drink between 6.30pm and 8.45pm.
"If you wish to drink, there are lots of venues: there is your home, there are licensed venues and there are designated drinking zones," Cdr Smalpage said.
"If you want to behave like a fool, if you want to act irresponsibly, there will be sufficient police officers who will take swift action to prevent that."
Under the Liquor Control Act, police can seize alcohol, even if unopened, from anyone deemed to be causing or likely to cause a problem.
Cdr Smalpage also urged revellers to have patience, particularly when using public transport.
About 300,000 people are expected at this year's Perth Skyworks, the biggest Australia Day fireworks display in the nation.
Last year, Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi questioned whether the city should continue investing in Skyworks amid dwindling numbers.
But City of Perth chief executive Gary Stevenson said yesterday this year's $1.9 million spectacular would be a hit.
He said about 250,000 people attended last year in stormy weather and extreme heat so a better turnout was expected with more pleasant weather expected.
The Weather Bureau forecast for tomorrow is sunny with a maximum of 35C.
Foti Fireworks, which did the opening and closing fireworks at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, has teamed with laser experts Oracle for the first time to produce an extravaganza incorporating a water and laser show.
For the display, 35,000 pyrotechnic shots will be launched from eight firing locations across the Swan River.
Eight fountains in the river will spray arcs of water into the air to provide screens for laser projections.
