Paramedics and police are bracing for wild New Year's Eve celebrations in Civic tonight, and are urging revellers to drink responsibly.
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Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to Civic for fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight, before continuing festivities at nightspots or house parties.
Extra crews of ACT Ambulance Service paramedics and St John's Ambulance officers will be working to cope with the crowds.
Last New Year's Eve, the majority of people requiring medical attention had either consumed excessive amounts of drugs or alcohol, or stepped on broken bottles or glasses, according to ACT Ambulance Service duty officer Paul Ribbons.
''Sometimes that's an unfortunate fact, we do encounter people who have had a little bit too much New Year's cheer,'' he said.
''Our message to those people is that if you're going to drink, try and do it in a safe environment. Try and drink lots of water, otherwise you're going to be feeling very unwell in the morning.''
Police will deploy extra officers in Civic to target underage drinking, antisocial behaviour and violence.
Alcohol exclusion zones will be in place around Garema Place, the bus interchange and other parts of Civic.
New Year's Eve operations commander Mick Calatzis is urging Canberrans to drink responsibly and plan a way to get home safely.
''Whilst we're concentrating our efforts in the city, we'll still be maintaining our police presence throughout the whole of the ACT,'' Superintendent Calatzis said.
''Most of our police will be in high-visibility vests so they'll be easy to see.''
Drivers have been warned that police will set up random breath-test stations in the city centre and in suburbs across Canberra.
''Traffic operations will be in full force,'' Superintendent Calatzis said.
''Last year we had a great success and over New Year's, we did not have one drink-driver, we'd like to match that,'' he said.
ACT Policing are asking parents to talk to their teenagers about where they will be, who they'll be with, and how they can get in contact with them throughout the night.
A number of roads will be closed around Civic for New Year's Eve.
London Circuit, between Petrie Plaza and Akuna Street, and Mort Street, between Cooyong Street and Bunda Street, will be closed from 5pm to 2am.
Northbourne Avenue's southbound lanes will be shut for short periods during the fireworks displays. Traffic will be diverted from 8.50pm to 9.30pm and from 11.50pm to 12.30am.
ACTION's Nightrider service will be running extra services, with buses departing at 45 minute intervals between 1am and 5am.
Police will be monitoring CCTV cameras set up around Civic from their operations centre in Belconnen.
''That also assists us with the safety of the city and to monitor key hotspots,'' Superintendent Calatzis said.