AFTER immense pressure from police and other authorities, promoters are cancelling the controversial Maitreya Festival just a day before it was meant to be held at a lake near Wycheproof.
Organisers of the Maitreya Music and Arts Festival were going ahead with plans to stage the “bush doof” at Lake Wooroonook over the coming weekend despite failing to obtain a planning permit from Buloke Shire Council and being told to cease preparations by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Today, on the eve of the festival, event organisers took to Facebook to announce the event has been cancelled.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control it is with a heavy heart that I now come to inform you that the festival will not proceed as planned,” Maitreya’s Steve Berger said.
“We’ve tried every possible avenue of keeping our beautiful festival afloat, but unfortunately as of early this morning that is no longer possible.
“We will provide you a full update as soon as we can. We’re so sorry for this and are beyond devastated ourselves.”
The announcement came just hours after Victoria Police, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Ambulance Victoria made a joint push to discourage people from attending the event.
Swan Hill Local Area Commander Inspector Dan Davison said authorities had concerns for the health, safety and welfare of patrons.
“Without a permit, there’s no accountability to ensure the environment is safe for patrons and free from hazards,” Inspector Davison said.
“We’re looking at a situation that involves the gathering of potentially thousands of people in an area that has not been declared safe, with a lack of basic services such as water, toilets, medical care and emergency response,” Inspector Davison said.
“The health and safety risks associated with that gathering are a real concern.
“Add to this the potential fire risk that comes with humid and hot weather – it’s a recipe for disaster.
“We’re simply telling people it’s not safe to attend. If you have a loved one or friend attending, don’t’ let them put their safety at risk.”
For more on this story, grab a copy of Friday’s Guardian (May 11).
