NSW Police are urging country-music fans to plan their trip and travel safely on the roads as they make their way to Tamworth for the annual Toyota Country Music Festival.
A high-visibility policing operation will be in place from Friday, January 17 until Sunday, January 26.
Tamworth Country Music Festival is Australia’s largest music festival, with a program featuring 700 artists and more than 1800 events, across 10 days.
General duties officers from Oxley Police District and across Western Region, assisted by specialist police, will focus on road safety, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence to keep the community safe.
Western Region commander, assistant commissioner Andrew Holland, said the festival is the largest annual event in Tamworth, during which the city’s population almost doubles.
“There’s no doubt Tamworth Country Music Festival is an iconic event on the calendar that sees the city of Tamworth transform into a hub of entertainment,” Mr Holland said.
“It also represents an incredibly busy time on our roads, with people travelling not just for their love of country music – but across the state, to and from school holiday destinations.
“During this time, there will be a saturated police presence on all roads leading to Tamworth.
“I urge anyone getting behind the wheel to obey the traffic legislation, particularly speed limits.”
Mr Holland said police will be targeting speeding, along with drink and drug driving and mobile-phone use, and other dangerous driver behaviour.
“Our officers are not out to spoil your fun – but rather, they are focused on making sure the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved,” he said.
Festival-goers are also encouraged to be patient when they arrive in Tamworth, as a number of roads will be closed during the 10-day event.
“Community safety is our number-one priority, and police will be targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour associated with drinking too much alcohol,” Mr Holland said.
“The message is simple – think before you drink, keep an eye on your mates, and enjoy the event responsibly.”
With camping the preferred accommodation option for festival-goers; police offer the following safety and security tips:
- Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking;
- Get to know your surrounding campers;
- In large crowds, be mindful of your own safety and security as well as that of people around you;
- Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight;
- 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 in weather conditions;
- Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles; and
- Report any suspicious behaviour to police.
For comprehensive event details, visit the official festival website: www.tcmf.com.au
Special-event traffic information can be found at: www.livetraffic.com
NSW Police Media
