Last year there was some controversy, but the ‘Beyond The Valley’ festival went ahead.
This year seems more of the same. Will it? Won’t It?
In this week’s Warragul Trader it was reported that Beyond The Valley Music Festival organisers have committed to following through with the festival, despite the recent refusal of its “Place Of Public Entertainment” permit.
In response to community questions last month, the Warragul Gazette reports that shire chief executive officer Helen Anstis said a POPE permit had not been issued to ‘Beyond The Valley’ Organisers to hold a four day music festival at Lardner Park for New Year’s Eve 2017.
Ms Anstis confirmed the municipal building surveyor had not supported the application, saying “the decision was based on the number elements on the submitted proposed event management plan.”
“The applicant can seek to appeal this determination and does not prevent another application being made prior to the event,” she said.
“The applicant did not appeal Council’s decision on the matter, which was heard at the building Appeals board last week.”
Festival organisers said the POPE permit permit was “work in progress” with an intent to finalise the POPE once the question of onsite camping was finalised.
Pretty important we think if you are having a four day festival.
Organisers have told Warragul Gazette in the past that “they were committed to a long-term successful future at Lardner Park.”
“We’re fully committed to complying to requested needs of council and its executive management team and as so are seeking or have sort the necessary applications.
We are currently three months ahead of planning when compared to the same time-frame last year stop we have commenced our engagement sessions with community business groups and already committed to and contracted several local businesses to the festival. Press return we have awarded contract totally over $1 million to assist stage the festival, over 50% of which are located within the ball was shy and surrounding areas.”
Ms PERO said Beyond The Valley had requested to co-locate camping and vehicles in the same area as the other festivals do.
Beyond the valley is apparently seeking appeals to allow this to happen.
So once again there is some uncertainty about the festival. It seems the local community is divided over the success of the festival.
I guess it is watch this space, Once more.
