Police launch sniffer dog operation as Splendour in the Grass festivalgoers arrive at Gold Coast airport

A photo of young festivalgoers being ordered to line up immediately after getting off a flight has attracted backlash online.

Splendour in the Grass festivalgoers had their bags searched by police sniffer dogs just moments after getting off flights at Gold Coast Airport.

Revellers appear to have been ordered to place their bags by their feet by Australian Federal Police officers, a photo suggests.

Zara Seidler of The Daily Aus tweeted a photo of young people standing in front of police officers in the terminal.

The scene attracted immediate backlash from punters online, criticising Australia’s “police state” and questioning whether it was legal.

Never seen this before. Off the plane in GC for Splendour and police making everyone drop their bags for dogs. @zacseidlerpic.twitter.com/ASXdO4xVh2

— Zara Seidler (@zaraseidler1) July 22, 2022

pic.twitter.com/PYEUJ8lFMr

— Boosted Biggles (@Taco_Lad) July 22, 2022

Really showing how to win over international tourists and bolster our reputation as a place to visit. This is embarrassing. https://t.co/rylr5ihewR

— Joseph O'Donoghue (@josephodonoghue) July 22, 2022

But some people said they had undergone searches like this while returning from overseas.

The police said it was business as usual at the airport.

“The AFP can confirm it is conducting normal operational activity at Gold Coast Airport today, including the use of firearm and explosive detection dogs as part of the standard security presence provided by the AFP at airports around Australia,” an AFP spokesman said.

Festival organisers this afternoon cancelled all of Friday’s major acts after hectic weather turned the Byron Bay festival site into a flooded bog.

Major acts who will not be performing tonight include headliners Gorillaz as well as The Avalanches and Kacey Musgraves.

Corey, 18, from Sydney’s Northern Beaches expressed his frustration. “I feel like at this point, we’re paying for mud.”

Most festivalgoers refused to believe the news of Friday’s cancellation when they were quizzed by news.com.au.

Jarod Johnson, 21, from Brisbane didn’t hold back: “I literally came for the Gorillaz – I’ll be pissed if that’s true.”

Taluca Macfarland, 18, also from Brisbane, added, “What’s the point of a festival without the music? I think it’s horrible – everyone’s paid $400 to see the Gorillaz.”

“Give is what we want!”

There was a heavy police presence at the festival ground on day one.

Punters are bunkering down for a long weekend of rain.

A statement from the Splendour in the Grass organisers said: “A significant weather system is currently sitting off the east coast and may reach land later today, bringing more rainfall.

“In the interest of patron safety and in consultation with all relevant emergency services, we have decided to err on the side of caution and cancel performances on the main stages today only – Amphitheatre, Mix Up, GW McLennan and Park(Land) Stages.

“In the coming week, Moshtix will be in contact with the ticket holders affected directly via the email address used to purchase their ticket for further information on refunds.

“We ask for patience while we work through the refund process. Please be assured that our event team is working very hard to provide the best experience possible under the current circumstances.

“We look forward to Saturday and Sunday programming moving ahead as planned.”

Festival organisers have cancelled the first day of performances at Splendour in the Grass due to heavy rain at the festival site. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)