Splendour in the Grass festivalgoers urged to stay safe

NSW Police has advised festivalgoers of the consequences of bringing illegal drugs into this weekend’s Splendour in the Grass event.

Despite revelations of heavy-handed policing during the current Coronial inquest into the deaths of six young festivalgoers, NSW Police has advised that a high-visibility police operation will be in place, targeting illegal drug use and supply, alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour during the three-day festival in northern NSW.

The operation will involve officers from Tweed/Byron Police District, Northern Region general duties officers, the NSW Police Dog Unit and other specialist command support.

With attendees arriving from today (Wednesday 17th July 2019), with the festival officially opening on Friday 19th July 2019 and concluding on Sunday 21st July 2019, NSW Police advise that their operations are to keep the event "fun but safe".

Tweed/Byron Police District Commander, Superintendent Dave Roptell, advised police want to ensure patrons have a safe and enjoyable festival experience, but are aware of the consequences of risky behaviour.

He stated “as we have done in previous years, police have been working closely with event organisers and stakeholders to ensure the safety of all event staff, performers and music fans throughout the festival.

“Festival-goers who choose to do the wrong thing not only compromise their own safety, but also risk the safety of others around them. Those who bring illegal drugs into the festival can expect to be caught and dealt with accordingly.

“Prohibited drugs are illegal and potentially life-threatening, especially when combined with alcohol, so I urge everyone to behave responsibly. Anyone under the influence, or who feels unwell, is urged to seek professional medical attention.

Superintendent Roptell added "we want Splendour to be an incident-free event. We will be there to uphold the law and ensure the safety of all festival-goers. Be warned that if you choose to break the law, disrupt other festival-goers, or create issues for the local community – you can expect to be arrested.”

Additionally, officers from the NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will be deployed to target speeding, drink-and-drug-driving and other dangerous driver behaviour to ensure everyone gets to and from the event safely.

Superintendent Roptell concluded “as with previous years, we are prepared for a considerable increase in traffic throughout the Byron Shire before, during, and after the festival – particularly on the Pacific Highway.

“Officers will be conducting regular roadside drug and alcohol testing; anyone caught driving under the influence will be arrested.

“Please plan ahead, stick to the speed limit and ensure all passengers in your vehicle are wearing their seat belt – we want everyone to get to and from Splendour safely."

For traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com.

Important event information, including items banned from the festival and campgrounds can be found at splendourinthegrass.com/

Images: Crowds at Splendour in the Grass (top) and NSW Police drug detection dogs at the 2017 event (below).