Police conducting RBT, RDT at all roads leading to Nimbin this weekend

As Nimbin’s annual MardiGrass gets underway this weekend, police say a large presence is there for community safety, but some festival goers disagree.

MARDIGRASS: The 2021 MardiGrass has officers conducting RBT and RDT testing on all roads leading into Nimbin. File Photo: Marc Stapelberg

Senior officers have defended a large police presence in Nimbin this weekend for the annual MardiGrass festival.

Richmond Police District Acting Inspector Victoria Turner confirmed there are Random Breath and Random Drug Tests being conducted at all roads leading into the village.

“We have numerous police resources to facilitate a safe and enjoyable MardiGrass for everyone,” she said.

“As well as general duties police we have Police Rescue, the Dog Unit, Highway Patrol and the Operational Support Group.

“So far everyone is fine and we have done a few walks through the town.”

Act Insp Turner said the festival was expected to commence with a march past the police station.

“This is not an us or them thing, they want to celebrate cannabis and we want them to have a safe and enjoyable time,” she said.

“We want everyone to come into town and enjoy the festival but we also want them to get home safety, so there will not be any free passes.”

Officially known as they Annual Cannabis Law Reform Protest Rally & Gathering in Nimbin, Australia, Mardigrass 2021 will be the 29th protest gathering.

But comments on social media have not been kind.

On Twitter:

Mrs Benny Saunders – “Total overkill by police at every entrance to Nimbin today to Mardigrass. Too bad if you had a joint up to two weeks ago or are taking medicinal oils. Stay safe everybody free the weed.”

Joshua Duroux – “There’s a real irony in that the level of danger, particularly lethal danger, is greatly increased in the village by the enormous influx of guns that comes with all the cops. They are the most dangerous thing in Nimbin. They send the riot squad.”

Meanwhile, at Nimbin Emporium in Cullen St, owner Sue Churchill said it had just started raining heavily.

Looking through her shop cameras to main street, Ms Churchill said there was not many people about yet.

And she was impressed with the high level of organisation those running the event had undertaken.

Ms Churchill said although her store usually closes at 7pm, during the festival they will be open until midnight.

“We sell lots of food and there’s not as many food stalls this year,” she said.

“I think people were concerned about booking their stall then getting cancelled two days out like Bluesfest.

“Usually people go for hot food in this weather, we sell lots of chocolate, chips, pies and lollies.”

Ms Churchill said she could understand people being intimidated if they had to pass through roadblocks to get into the town this weekend.

“I’m not saying the police are intimidating,” she said.

“But some people will feel intimidated.”