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UPDATE4pm: Organisers now claim the festival has been cancelled “due to the weather”.
"To the dear people of our tribe, we are having to call off the event due to the weather that has occurred up on site the past 24 hours," a post on the event’s Facebook page reads.
"There is no safe way into and out of the site. We urge you not to come as it is not safe onsite. Thank you for all your support and we will be in touch soon. X Maitreya team."
The previous cancellation message was mysteriously removed 35 minutes after it was posted.
EARLIER: AN electronic music and alternative lifestyle festival planned for Charlton this weekend will not go ahead.
Organisers of the Maitreya Festival on Thursday pulled the pin on the Wooroonook Lakes event in the wake of health and safety concerns from police and other emergency services.
The plea comes after organisers of the Maitreya Festival failed to obtain a permit from the local council and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Event organisers were vowing to push ahead with an illegal event as recently as Thursday morning, prompting police to describe the situation as 'a disaster waiting to happen'.
But a statement on the festival's Twitter account said the festival had been cancelled.
"Due to circumstances beyond my control and the control of the Maitreya Festival it is with a heavy heart that I now come to inform you that the Festival will not proceed as planned," the statement said.
"Consequently there is no need for you to show up onsite to participate in the festival experience as discussed.
"I am vey (sic) sorry for all this to have happened!! The Festival Narrative has slid into the surreal to say the least.
"I thank you very much for your time and consideration and I look forward to potentially working with you again in the future."
The statement urges those still wanting to have a camping experience to support the local Charlton community.
Earlier, Swan Hill Local Area Commander Inspector Dan Davison said authorities had concerns for the health, safety and welfare of patrons, after police, paramedics and fire services declared they would not be on site.
“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.
“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."
The decision to cancel the event comes as many festival-goers are making their way to Charlton.
It is not known at this stage whether tickets will be refunded.
Hundreds of people have been trying to sell tickets - which range from $150 for earlybird purchases to $300 - on the festival's social media accounts this week, some for as low as $50.
Many are expressing fears they may lost their money.
Buloke Shire Council will release a statement shortly.
Council denied festival organisers a permit to operate last month after a lack of necessary documentation was submiited, including insurance, traffic management and cultural management plants and authorisation from Ambulance Victoria and the Liquor Licensing Commission.