With the 2022 ski season starting this long weekend and ski resorts expecting large crowds due to early heavy snowfalls, NSW Police are urging snow goers to have a plan and stay ‘Snow Safe’.
The official NSW snow season begins tomorrow, Saturday 11 June.
Additional police will be deployed to the Snowy Mountains region from across NSW as part of the high-visibility Snow Safe operation. Visitors can expect to see officers from General Duties, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Southern Region Enforcement Squad, licensing police and other specialist officers – including trained Alpine Operators – throughout the season.
Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter APM, said police will be out and about throughout the season targeting road safety, anti-social behaviour, and personal safety.
“Our priority is to keep people safe – on the slopes, roads, licensed venues and out and about in the alpine region,” Assistant Commissioner Cotter said.
“Those heading to the snow should drive to the conditions and exercise appropriate caution.
“Snowfield conditions can be more difficult to navigate so we’d like to remind everyone to prioritise safety on your journey – pay close attention to the roads, don’t get distracted, and slow down.
“Our officers will do all they can to keep you safe to and from the snowfields, and regardless of whether you’re driving, riding, a passenger or a pedestrian, we urge you to help us achieve this.”
Monaro Police District Commander, Superintendent John Klepczarek APM, said local police efforts will be bolstered by additional resources as part of operation Snow Safe.
“The population of our snowfields and surrounding towns increases exponentially during winter, and for local police, community safety is always the number one priority,” Superintendent Klepczarek said.
“We will have additional staff seconded to Jindabyne from other police districts, who will support the work of our local police; expect to see them out and about on patrol.
“After two years of lockdowns and disruptions, we are expecting a huge season this year, and we want to make sure everyone has a great time – but not at the expense of the safety of others.”
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole urged everyone to take extra care on the roads this snow season, with double demerits in place across the long weekend from today.
“The recent cold snap has ensured a great start to the season and we know it’s going to be a busy time on the roads,” Mr Toole said.
“It’s important we remember to plan ahead and allow additional travel time because getting to your destination safely is everyone’s responsibility.”
NSW Police are also urging hikers visiting the region to ensure their personal safety by submitting a Trip Intention Form and hiring a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) before heading out into the national park.
A state-wide traffic operation is running throughout the Queen’s Birthday long weekend from 12.01am Friday 10 June until 11.59pm on Monday 13 June. Double demerits are in force throughout this period.
Further information on driving in snowfield conditions can be found by visiting the NSW Centre for Road Safety website: roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/index.html
Hikers can contact the Snowy Region Visitor Centre for more information or visit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or www.environment.nsw.gov.au.
