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Victoria Police is urging people to not put their safety at risk and attend this weekend’s Maitreya music festival at Lake Wooroonook near Charlton.
The plea comes after event organisers failed to obtain a permit from the local council and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
As a result, police, paramedics and fire services will not be on site at the four-day event for safety reasons.
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.”
Victoria Police has been working closely with Ambulance Victoria and the Country Fire Authority to ensure extra resources are available in the local community.
“We’ll be stepping up our resources in the local community to respond if an emergency occurs,” Inspector Davison said.
“Victoria Police has well established arrangements for providing police support to major events. This includes ensuring the environment is safe for emergency service personnel attending.
“We have a duty of care to our people as well as to the community.
“Organisers who show little regard for the health and safety of patrons should not be running an event on this scale without appropriate planning and services.
“We have no choice but to warn people about the risks they are taking by attending.”