Music fans encouraged to have fun, celebrate safely - Tamworth

Country music fans attending this year’s festival in Tamworth are being encouraged by the NSW Police Force to have fun, but to celebrate safely.

Police will be out in force in and around the Tamworth CBD as thousands of country music fans attend the state’s largest public entertainment event outside Sydney.

The festival begins on Thursday (14 January) and runs until Sunday ( 24 January).

Superintendent Clint Pheeney, Commander of the Oxley Local Area Command, said the city’s population would more than double during the festival and a security operation would again be run by police.

“Last year was my second festival as Commander and I enjoyed the atmosphere created by the range of entertainment, and the good will of the locals and visitors who sensibly celebrate the event,” Superintendent Pheeney said.

“History has shown the majority of festival-goers enjoy the spirit and character of the festival. Police are not trying to stop that however we are determined ensure the event is safe and free of troublemakers”.

“People doing the right thing and having fun have nothing to worry about. But those people who engage in anti-social or criminal behaviour will be dealt with by police”.

“There are some who take advantage of the increase in population by breaking into unattended cars and homes to steal valuable items, as well as engaging in anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“Locals and visitors need to take precautions to ensure their safety and that of their homes, no matter what the time of day or night, and do not leave valuables in plain sight in their vehicles.”

“During last year’s festival those arrested were predominantly from the Tamworth District. What was particularly disappointing was the significant number of people who were detected and charged with drink driving. Despite all the warnings there are those who continue to risk their safety and that of the community.” Superintendent Pheeney said.

This year’s policing operation will include general duties officers, supported by the Operational Support Group, Mounted Police, Bicycle Units, as well as Highway Patrol officers and Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers. The majority of the Operational Support Group, and Highway Patrol are from the Western Region coming from as far as Broken Hill.

Superintendent Pheeney said: “The festival is after all a country affair and we try to have country police from the Western District”.

The Operational Support Group contingent is almost double that of last year. “Anti-social or alcohol fuelled violence will not be accepted and those who choose to do so can expect an uncompromising response from the police,” said Superintendent Pheeney.

During the festival a number of marked and unmarked police cars will be patrolling roads in and around Tamworth, as well as the main thoroughfares leading into town. Highway Patrol officers have been specifically tasked with detecting alcohol and drug affected drivers, as well as anti-social driving behaviour. Officers will also be responsible for facilitating the free movement of traffic. Highway Patrol Officers will be supported with a RBT and a Drug Bus.

Random roadside alcohol and drug testing will be conducted and people flouting the law can expect to have their licences suspended on-the-spot and to face court.

Motorists are also reminded that only vehicles displaying the appropriate council authorisation will be allowed entry into the restricted areas of the CBD. These areas are well sign-posted and have been widely advertised. Highway Patrol officers will strictly enforce the restrictions, with fines exceeding $190.

During the festival licensing police will be working closely with Officers from the Office of Liquor and Gaming to target under-age drinking and intoxication.

Officers will also be working to ensure compliance with the responsible service of alcohol laws, as well as checking the status of security personnel employed by licensed premises.

To ensure that public places are free of anti-social behaviour the Tamworth Regional Council has issued a prohibition order which prohibits the taking or consuming of alcohol into parks between 8pm and 8am. Alcohol Free Zones are also in place within the Central Business District. Police and Council Rangers can issue on the spot fines for contraventions.

Issued by New South Wales Police Force January 14th 2010
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