Daily London
For the first time, South Australian police have been granted the power to conduct random weapons searches at the annual schoolies festival in Victor Harbor.
The move comes as more than 3500 school leavers prepare to converge on the coastal town this weekend.
This year’s festival has been declared a public event, enabling police to search individuals within the designated area using metal detection devices.
“This is going to help us enhance the public safety in the environment,” Superintendent Joanna Howard said.
Despite the new security protocols, organisers are focusing on providing a positive experience for the school leavers.
“This weekend we are well prepared for, and we’re bringing three unique nights of entertainment and experience for our young people,” Nigel Knowles from Encounter Youth said.
Organisers have increased the availability of free buses to the festival, extending services from Adelaide to about a dozen regional locations.
Shuttle buses will also operate within the Victor Harbor area throughout the three-day event.
“We do approximately 20,000 boardings over this weekend so there’s really no reason for our young people to have to use their cars,” Knowles said.
But concerns have been raised over the condition of beaches in the area, with a toxic algal bloom still ravaging South Australia’s coastline.
Authorities say it’s safe to swim for now, but an update will be provided later in the week.
