Police are encouraging country music fans to plan ahead and travel safe as they make their way to this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Tens of thousands of revellers will descend on Tamworth for 10 days of non-stop music from Friday (16 January 2015).
A high-visibility police operation will be in place throughout the event, which is the largest music festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
Operation Commander, Superintendent Jim Stewart, said community safety is the top priority during Tamworth’s largest annual event.
“We see the city’s population almost double during the festival, and we will have plenty of additional police deployed to ensure the festival is safe and fun for everyone,” Supt Stewart said.
“The festival transforms Tamworth into a giant street party and there are a number of measures in place to keep the city family-friendly.
“Local Liquor Accord agreements, including the 12.30am lockout, will remain in place during the festival, as well as the alcohol-free zones, which are in place throughout the CBD.”
Information about these arrangements can be found at: www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au.
“Alcohol-Free Zones aim to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour to help create a safer event for every member of the community,” Supt Stewart said.
“Make no mistake, alcohol affects your ability to assess risks, make decisions and behave responsibly.
“We will also have additional Licensing Police in and around licensed venues to target intoxication, alcohol-related crime, anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking.”
Motorists are reminded to plan their trip to Tamworth ahead of time and expect delays.
“There will be a significant increase in traffic in the area and with a number of road closures in place for the duration of the festival, delays are expected in and around Tamworth,” Supt Stewart said.
“Some areas of the CBD will be restricted to vehicles with appropriate council authorisation, which must be displayed at all times.
“Where possible, we suggest people use the Festival Express bus service to get around Tamworth, particularly if you are planning to drink.
“Highway Patrol Command officers will be conducting random breath tests and anyone found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be charged.
“In addition, marked and unmarked cars will be patrolling roads in and around Tamworth, and the main thoroughfares leading into town, targeting speeding and all dangerous driver behaviour.”
Visit www.livetraffic.com for all road and traffic conditions.
Supt Stewart said by taking a few simple precautions, festival campers can reduce the risk of crime at camping grounds.
“Camping is considered an important part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival experience and we remind festival campers to be mindful of their own safety and security,” Supt Stewart said.
“With thousands of people in some of these camping areas, we ask everyone to look out for themselves and each other and in an emergency, contact police immediately.”
Tips for campers:
• Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking
• Get to know your surrounding campers
• Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight ie laptops, iPods, stereos, GPS
• Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended
• Where possible, use a lock to secure your tent
• Where possible, use a portable alarm in your tent or camper
• Plan for changes to weather conditions
• Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles
• Report any suspicious behaviour to police
Visit the official festival website for more information: www.tcmf.com.au