NORTH Stradbroke island police are preparing for an influx of high school students flocking to the island for pre-schoolies celebrations.
Hundreds of teenagers usually make the pilgrimage to the island during the September school holidays, which will kick off this weekend.
Police reminded parents and young people to act responsibly when planning school holiday celebrations.
Additional police will be sent to the island to bolster the number of officers already posted at Dunwich and Point Lookout.
Inspector Lindsay Kilpatrick from the Bayside Patrol Group encouraged young people to act responsibly and to enjoy North Stradbroke Island and the many great beaches and attractions it has to offer.
Parents were urged to consider the consequences of providing alcohol to young people, with up to $3000 fines for supplying alcohol to an underage child.
Pre-Schoolies also had to follow Queensland gathering rules, meaning no more than 10 people could gather in public or private places, excluding venues with COVID Safe plans in place.
Breaches could result in fines up to $13,000 or six months in prison.
"Police would also like to take this opportunity to remind those holidaying on North Stradbroke Island to be COVID-19 vigilant and to stay 1.5 metres distance whenever possible," a spokesman said.
"Young people are welcome on North Stradbroke Island but like everyone else, need to celebrate within the law.
"Police would like to remind all young people celebrating these school holidays to think about your actions and remember the potential that a split-second decision could have on the rest of your lives."
Dunwich Police officer in charge Darren Scanlan said police were preparing as if expecting similar numbers to previous years.
"Local police will be reinforced by a contingent of police from the mainland to assist in policing during this holiday period," he said.
"Police will be conducting high visibility patrols focusing on drink driving and public order offences including public nuisance, underage drinking and drinking in public.
"Many of this year's Grade 12 students turn 18 this year which means more could be attending licensed premises than in previous years."
Senior Constable Ivan Parsons from Point Lookout told the Redland City Bulletin that last year's September school holidays had seen a lot of unruly behaviour, with the main issues being underage drinking, noise and out-of-control parties.
"There were some irresponsible parents - some of them were having parties with 60 or 70 kids."
He said police had issued thousands of dollars' worth of liquor infringement notices.
The September pre-schoolies traditionally comes before Year 12 students head to the Gold Coast for Schoolies in November.
