The Queensland Police Service (QPS) thanks the Riverfire 2026 attendees for their behaviour throughout the night.
The QPS is pleased to report the crowd was very well behaved. Only 18 people were arrested during the event in relation to offences such as public nuisance and drug offences. Six people were issued with move on directions.
Behind the scenes of Brisbane’s major events, such as Riverfire, are large policing operations that ensure the community is safe and feels safe.
The Brisbane Major Events Planning Unit (MEPU) began planning for this event, following Riverfire 2025 by evaluating the operation for future learnings.
Early this year, using the learnings from 2025 in addition to decades of local major event experience, MEPU began planning the operational component for Riverfire 2026.
Key factors for consideration included police resourcing ensuring public safety, managing major road, bridge, river and cycleway closures, and managing estimated crowds of over 105,000 attendees within Captain Burke Park, South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point, Wilson’s lookout and Lower River Terrace.
On the day of Riverfire, 5 September, the State Police Operations Centre (SPOC) was stood up, to oversee the major event operation.
General duties police in addition to supporting units including Water Police, Brisbane City Bike Squad, Highway Patrol, Tactical Crime Squad, Criminal Investigations Branch, POLAIR, Child Protection and Investigation Unit, Road Policing Command, Public Safety Response Team, Police Liaison Officers, Railway Squad, Protective Services, and partner agencies assisted throughout the night.
SPOC liaised with all officers on the ground and key partner agencies who had representatives in the operations centre to oversee event logistics and ensure a safe environment was maintained for event attendees.
Riverfire crowds lining the bank of the Brisbane River were treated to a performance by the QPS Pipes and Drums band and QPS Junior Pipes and Drums band who performed from a patrolling Water Police vessel.
After the event concluded, around 8.45pm, police responded to a nearby disturbance at a Queen Street shopping centre in Brisbane City.
Police quickly intercepted and arrested a man. During the arrest, a group of people attempted to obstruct the arrest, which resulted in two additional people being arrested.
A man, who police allege obstructed the initial arrest, was tasered by police before being arrested without further incident.
No police were injured during the incident.
Investigations into the isolated incident remain ongoing. There is no further information available at this time.
Riverfire Operations Commander, North Brisbane District Acting Chief Superintendent Simon Tayler thanked the majority of Riverfire attendees for their behaviour throughout the event.
“We thank Riverfire attendees for being considerate towards other event goers and for following police advice during road and bridge closures,” Acting Chief Superintendent Tayler said.
“Every major event in Brisbane is supported by extensive preparation by our major events team in the background to ensure it is safe environment for attendees.
“Overall, Brisbane police were pleased with crowd behaviours and the flow of major road, river, and cycleway closures and reopenings.
“Whilst it is disappointing police had to intercept a disturbance between a group after the event concluded. It drives home our message that any anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and police will take swift enforcement action to apprehend and prevent further offending.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au or call 131 444.
