News Service from House Harris

Qld: Seven arrests on first night of Schoolies

GOLD COAST, Nov 22 AAP - Seven school leavers have been arrested during thefirst 24 hours of Schoolies celebrations at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

Four male and three female schoolies were arrested by police for public nuisance offences. However, no schoolies were charged with drinking in public.

Gold Coast District Officer Superintendent Jim Keogh said police were prepared for wild storms, should they affect the celebrations.

Supt Keogh said police were monitoring the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasts and would make necessary arrangements if beach events were cancelled on Saturday night due to storms.

"If adverse weather does impact upon schoolies ... people should listen to instructions from police, emergency services and schoolies organisers," he said.

"We want everyone to stay safe while having fun.

"In light of the overnight arrests, I would urge young people to be mindfulof their behaviour during Schoolies," Supt Keogh said.

"It is an exciting time for them but that doesn't excuse inappropriate actions.

"Any troublemakers will be identified early and removed quickly to ensure public safety. It is about early intervention."

While official celebrations started on Saturday, thousands of school leavers arrived on the coast on Friday night.

Police warned that revellers without identification or certified wristbandswould not be allowed to enter Schoolies celebrations.

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