Police pounced on arriving travellers for the Splendour in the Grass event and told them to drop their luggage so that dogs could inspect them.
A startling image on Friday at the Gold Coast Airport showed bewildered festival-goers lining up against a wall with their bags on the ground in front of them.
After the police had examined each person’s bags, they were each given the go-ahead to continue travelling.
The strange security check, according to the Australian Federal Police, was just “regular operational activity.”
‘The AFP can confirm it is performing normal operational activities at Gold Coast Airport today, including the employment of weapon and explosive detection dogs as part of the standard security presents given by the AFP at airports around Australia,’ an AFP spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
The Splendour in the Grass festival, which began today and runs through Sunday at the North Byron Parklands, coincides with this.
Many people in the public responded to the situation at the airport. One man said: “If they did this on a normal flight, the older people would lose their minds, and rightly so.”
Anyone who is a paying consumer shouldn’t be treated like a criminal.
Another person said: “Sniffer dogs have long been a part of Australian airports, and if the result is stopping one trafficker on their way to Splendour, then good.”
There is a distinction between checking bags as they move through supply chains and holding everyone.
That is an inference of guilt. It is incorrect in so many different ways,” said a third.
A fourth individual said: “What’s the problem? The dog will walk past you if you aren’t carrying drugs. Simple.”
The opening day of the festival was significantly hampered by the severe weather that rocked the Sunshine State on Friday, forcing the event organisers to post a statement on Facebook to all guests.
There is a strong weather system off the east coast that could bring more rain to land today.
We have chosen to err on the side of caution and cancel performances on the main stages today alone – Amphitheatre, Mix Up, GW McLennan, and Park(lands) Stages – after consulting with the pertinent emergency services.
All of our destination areas, including the Global Village, Tipi Forest, Forum, Comedy, and Science tents, will be available to visitors both on-site and at our satellite campground at Byron Events Farm today. ‘Relax, enjoy what is available.
While we are making repairs, day visitors are urged not to attend the festival today.
“Moshtix will be in contact with the impacted ticket holders directly, using the email address used to purchase their ticket, for additional information on refunds in the coming week.”
“We beg for your patience as we complete the refund process.”
Please know that our event team is doing everything they can to give you the greatest experience possible given the current situation.
“We anticipate that Saturday and Sunday programming will proceed as scheduled.”
Users responded favourably to this claim made by the organisers, with one man saying: “Gutted for you guys. After three long years, the weather is suddenly a hindrance.
I am aware that festival visitors are likely upset, but stop for a moment to consider all the wonderful festivals that have failed in the past.
“If you have the means, perhaps decline the refund and support SITG as they advance; otherwise, we risk losing another fantastic event.”
As far in advance as these activities are scheduled, no one can forecast the weather. I hope the next two days go as planned,” he continued.