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- Maitreya Festival site shut down after VCAT ruling
- Buloke Shire Council seeks to close down Maitreya Festival
- Future Maitreya Festival plans to be revealed soon, say organisers
- VCAT rules in Buloke Shires favour in stoush over music festival
- Maitreya Festival promoter launches VCAT action against Buloke Shire
- Buloke Shire refuses Maitreya Festival promoter permit
VICTORIA Police is urging Maitreya Festival organisers to shelve their plans for this weekend's event.
The warning comes as organisers continue to promote the event, despite no local government permit being issued.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal last Friday ordered the event's promoter to cease works at a proposed festival site at Wooroonook Lakes, about 10 minutes west of Charlton.
It was the second time the matter has gone before VCAT.
Despite council not issuing a permit for an alternative venue, organisers are saying they have found a new location and the four-day electronic music and alternative lifestyle festival will proceed as planned.
Victoria Police said they were continuing to monitor the Maitreya Festival situation and was aware VCAT had declined the necessary permits.
"Victoria Police strongly discourages event organisers from proceeding without the appropriate authorisation," it said in a statement.
"As the Maitreya/Maitreyah Festival is unauthorised and several support agencies - for example St Johns - have withdrawn services for the festival, Victoria Police warns organisers and attendees, that your personal safety could be compromised by attending."
On the festival's Facebook page, ticket holders and supporters are demanding clarity from organisers on the event's status and whether refunds will be offered.
Meanwhile, the festival is saying it has engaged mobile first-aid and medical solution company Emergency Medical Management to service the event.
"We will have doctors and experienced staff onsite 24/7 to care for any issues that may arise, Ambulance Victoria will also be in attendance," it said.
"It's going to be hot so bring lots of water and keep you and your friends hydrated! ONLY 5 DAYS TILL LIFTOFF!"
The festival's website continues to advertise tickets for sale at $300 each.
It's not the first time the festival has struck problems with obtaining a permit to operate.
The 2013 event was moved to Sea Lake at late notice after VCAT was asked to rule on a difference arising between the Central Goldfields Shire Council and the festival organisers over planning permit requirements at Carisbrook racecourse.
The festival ran for two years (2013-14) at Sea Lake, before moving to Wooroonook Lakes last year.
It has been held in more than five locations across its 10 year history.