RELATED: VCAT festival bid fails
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
ORGANISERS of the annual Maitreya Festival say they will advise patrons as soon as they can about plans for the event's future.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal this week upheld a Buloke Shire Council decision not to grant the event's organisers a permit to stage the event at Wooroonook Lakes from March 11-14.
VCAT dismissed the promoter's attempt to argue a technicality in regard to how the festival had been categorised in the planning permit.
The decision has sparked a backlash from some festival ticket-holders, who are waiting for details about potential refunds or rumoured back-up plans.
Festival organisers issued their first, albeit brief statement on the matter on Twitter and Facebook this morning.
It read: "Hey guys, we know you're waiting to hear from us so wanted to drop by and tell you we're busy considering the impacts of the VCAT hearing.
"We'll update you with a formal statement and heaps of further information as soon as we can.
"Meanwhile, sending much love and gratitude to our supporters."
It was the first activity on the festival's Twitter account since Friday's announcement of the six winners of a free festival ticket.
But whether or not those tickets will be used and many other concerns from patrons remain unanswered.
While this morning appeared to appease some festival supporters, others took to Facebook to vent their frustration.
One said any negativity surrounding the festival would stop if organisers issued a public statement.
"If you got any sense, you can see that not responding is hurting the festival. Nobody knows if there's anything to support. Not responding, is hurting the reputation of yourself and your festival."
Another festival supporter said he was waiting for details before deciding whether to press ahead with booking flights to Melbourne.
A woman said she too was in the same predicament, just 10 days from the festival’s opening date.
"Dying for solid information because I know I speak for more than just myself when I say that flights/accommodation needs to be changed if this doesn't go ahead," she said.
Several supporters said they have faith promoters have a back-up plan, including one woman who was sure she would be "stomping" her 10th Maitreya Festival.
"Don't give up yet. I have huge faith in the organsers. We may just not see it in the Buloke district, which is at a great shame for all the residents who gratefully support the event and who have got behind fighting for the show to go on in their backyard, particularly when they are in a real time of need. Our society really does fail at times," she said.
Buloke Shire Council this week maintained it had no choice but to deny the organisers a permit after they failed to submit relevant documents, including insurance, security bonds, emergency contingency plans, and agreements with Liquor Licensing and Ambulance Victoria.
It remains adamant the festival will not take place in any shape or form next week within the municipality.
Festival organisers have been approached for comment.