Police will be out in force at this weekend’s annual Splendour in the Grass festival at Yelgun, targeting drug use and supply and alcohol-fuelled violence .
The three-day high-visibility operation will involving around an extra 100 police officers, including riot squad and dog units, from other regions to bolster the local command.
Up to 27,000 people a day are expected to attend the festival at the North Byron Parklands site which kicks off tomorrow (Friday).
Highlights of the big lineup of overseas acts include legendary UK band The Cure and top American performers The Strokes.
Hundreds of ticket-holders arrived in the shire today (Wednesday) with pre-festival entertainment set for Thursday night for campers and three-day ticket-holders.
Tweed Byron Local Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Wayne Starling, said police had been working closely with event organisers and other stakeholders, and were ‘prioritising the safety of all event staff, performers and music fans throughout the festival’.
‘Splendour in the Grass is a much-celebrated music festival and the biggest winter event of its kind in Australia, so we’re working together to ensure everyone involved can enjoy the experience,’ Det Supt Starling said.
‘We will be focused on targeting those involved with illegal drug use and supply, underage drinking, alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour.
‘Festival-goers who choose to do the wrong thing, breach the event’s terms and conditions or risk the safety of other music fans, will be quickly identified and dealt with accordingly.
‘A warning to anyone planning on bringing illegal drugs into the festival – we will have both uniformed and plain-clothes police with drug-detection dogs patrolling the entire event footprint – so think again as you can expect to be caught and could face legal action.
‘Participants caught in possession of illegal drugs can also expect to be removed from the site by event organisers and anyone who attends the festival affected by drugs or alcohol may be refused entry,’ Det Supt Starling said.
‘Not only are recreational drugs illegal, they are dangerous and potentially life-threatening, especially when combined with alcohol.’
Event information, including items banned from the festival and campgrounds can be found at: http://splendourinthegrass.com.
Medical staff will also be on hand at the festival to assist anyone who feels unwell.
‘If you believe the health of another festival-goer may be affected by drugs, alcohol, or any other factor, please tell someone immediately and seek professional medical assistance,’ Det Supt Starling said.
Extra highway patrol officers will also be deployed to target speeding, drink-and-drug-driving and other dangerous driver behaviour.
‘We are prepared for a considerable increase in traffic throughout the Byron Shire in the lead up to and during the festival – particularly on the Pacific Highway,’ Det Supt Starling said.
‘We will not tolerate anyone putting themselves or other innocent road users at risk so make sure you’re driving to the conditions, everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seat belt and stick to the speed limit’, he said.
‘Officers will be conducting regular roadside drug and alcohol testing so if you’re drinking make sure you have a plan B.
‘Plan your trip ahead of time and if you’re travelling a long distance be sure to take advantage of regular rest areas so you’re not driving tired.’
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or contact the Traffic Information Line on 132 701.
