UP to 1200 fans of electronic music are expected to flock to a new festival north of Camperdown next Easter.
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The event, to be held on farmland at Bookaar’s historic West Cloven Hills property, off Darceys Lane, has gained high praise from Corangamite Shire councillors.
They voted unanimously this week to issue a permit for the Inner Varnika festival which will feature 25 live bands, DJs and visual artists with patrons camping at the site for over three days.
Organisers hope it will become an annual event in the vein of the popular Meredith and Golden Plains music festivals.
Community and sporting groups from Camperdown and Bookaar area have already been approached to run food and beverage stalls — potentially raising thousands of dollars.
One objection was received from a neighbour, citing risks of fires, damage to adjoining properties and risks associated with drugs and alcohol.
But Bob Bark from Firetac Australia addressed council about the detailed emergency management plans his company had developed for the festival.
He said a portable firefighting reservoir would hold 15,000 to 18,000 litres of water on site exclusively for firefighting.
“There will be between six and eight firefighters at the site, with vehicles, at all times. They will be able to access any part of the site within 127 seconds,” Mr Bark said.
Festival co-director Bryce Lawrence said the safety and security of patrons was of utmost priority.
“All contractors for security, first aid and fire fighting are industry professionals. We have taken rigorous measures,” Mr Lawrence said.
“We have exceeded the requirements for amenities.
“This won’t be a one-off. We want to establish a relationship with the shire and show goodwill.”
A detailed report that included fire and emergency service plans and layouts of the festival site was tabled. Cr Geoff Smith said he was impressed by the thoroughness of the organisers.
“I think we can be confident it will be run well,” Cr Smith said.
“Nothing is risk free, but I think with these plans the risks have been minimised significantly.
“It’s another opportunity to promote the shire.”
Cr Peter Harkin said the enthusiasm of the organisers was “what we like to see” and Cr Wayne Oakes said if they were to refuse a permit based on a possibility of drugs being present, there would be no functions held in the shire.
“The organisers have done a terrific job and it’s something we should support,” he said.