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UPDATE 1PM WEDNESDAY: The CFA has added its voice to authorities urging revellers to stay away from the unauthorised Maitreya music festival after organises failed to obtain a permit for the event near Charlton.
CFA District 18 Operations Manager John Bigham warned anyone attending the event would potentially put their safety at risk with emergency services not in attendance during the event over the long weekend.
“We’re staggered that despite failing to obtain the most basic permits organisers are determined to push ahead,” Mr Bigham said.
“It’s simply irresponsible to hold such a large event without even the most basic services including water, toilets, showers, medical care or fire management services.”
He said businesses, such as caterers operating at the festival site on Lake Wooroonook would be breaking the law.
He said despite claims by the organisers, no alternative venue had been secured and Buloke Shire had refused the event a permit.
Last Friday, VCAT upheld Council’s decision and ordered organisers to declare the event cancelled.
Today’s plea to revellers from CFA follows a similar call by Victoria Police.
“We’re always happy to support legitimate events organised by responsible people who can provide a safe environment for those who attend,” Mr Bigham said.
“The organiser of this event, however, has shown scant regard for the safety of patrons and we feel we have no choice but to warn those attending of the risk they’re taking.”
Mr Bigham said authorities had appealed to the organisers again today to follow the VCAT enforcement order, but without success.
A SECOND emergency service has expressed concerns over the safety and welfare of patrons if an illegal form of the Maitreya Festival goes ahead this weekend.
Ambulance Victoria has confirmed it will not be on-site at the four-day festival location near Charlton where organisers plan to hold the festival without a permit.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) last week upheld a decision by the Buloke Shire Council to not grant the festival promoter Lachlan Bell a permit to run the event at Wooroonook Lakes, about 10 minutes west of Charlton.
Despite no official comment from organisers, posts on their social media accounts indicate they are preparing to hold the event on private land near the lakes.
A statement issued by Ambulance Victoria on Tuesday afternoon confirmed its paramedics would only attend the site in the event of an emergency.
"We are concerned that, despite a VCAT ruling upholding the decision not to grant a permit, event organisers are proceeding without appropriate planning and services," the statement said.
"We have major concerns for the health, safety and welfare of patrons, and urge anyone planning to attend the event to seriously consider the risks.
"Ambulance is not a free service and anyone requiring our attendance will be subject to our usual fees."
The statement follows a similar one issued on Monday by Victoria Police, which said it was continuing to monitor the site near Charlton.
"Victoria Police strongly discourages event organisers from proceeding without the appropriate authorisation," it said.
"As the Maitreya/Maitreyah Festival is unauthorised and several support agencies (eg St Johns) have withdrawn services for the festival, Victoria Police warns organisers and attendees, that your personal safety could be compromised by attending."
Festival organisers are continuing to maintain the site is safe and secure, despite the non-blessing of Victoria Police.
They have announced private first aid company Emergency Medical Management will be on-site to attend to the health needs of festival-goers.
A statement on Twitter says toilets, showers and drinking water at the site are all now operational.
"Bring sunscreen. It's going to be really hot."
Buloke Shire Council has confirmed that even if the event is held on private land, it still requires a permit.
Organisers are offering tickets for $50 to residents in nearby towns, including Charlton, Wooroonook, Wycheprood, Donald and St Arnaud.
Tickets are also available online for $300. The event’s Facebook page continues to be inundated by people seeking to sell tickets or requesting refunds as concerns linger over whether the event will go ahead for a full four days.
Maitreya has not responded to requests for comment.
