Victoria Stone-Meadows

Port Douglas Police Sergeant Damien Meadows has praised visitors and locals for a safe and enjoyable Carnivale.

Sergeant Meadows said the crowds were mostly jovial and everyone was able to enjoy themselves on one of the town’s biggest weekends.

“The general public was well behaved and everybody enjoyed it,” he said.

“The police enjoyed a lot too, we love when we get the chance to have those interactions with the public and it’s not often we see Port Douglas so alive.”

Over the weekend, one person was arrested for public nuisance and about 12 people were found to be drink driving. 

“It’s about on par with last year,” Sergeant Meadows said.

“There was one guy, he was found drink driving twice; once in the early hours of the morning when he was slapped with a 24-hour suspension.

“Then, he was picked up again later that same morning on his way to work and he was still over the limit so he wins the idiot of the year award.

“About 50 per cent of the drink drivers were local, which is not good because they all know that come Carnivale traffic management are up here 24 hours a day.”

Despite the few hiccups, Sergeant Meadows said it was a great weekend and he even had the opportunity to join in the festivities as a spectator. 

“I think most people have the right idea about Carnivale; it’s a time to go out and almost everybody does it responsibly,” he said.

“It has definitely evolved over 25 years, back in the old days we could have up to 70 drink drivers so it’s great to see people utilising public transport and having a good time.

“For the first time ever this year, I’ve seen the Carnivale parade as a spectator and my two daughters were in the parade so it’s great to see.

“Normally I’m in the car at the front of the parade but seeing it from this perspective it is really amazing, some of the work that goes into the floats was just amazing.”