THE opportunity to host more festivals at Glenaroua has been assured after Mitchell Shire Council granted an amendment to a planning permit at the August council meeting.
The amendment was discussed after the public notification of the application received 29 submissions of support, but also seven objections.
It proposed that events can operate for a maximum of 18 days per calendar year between March and November, while a one-day event could be permitted in December with prior written consent from CFA.
The amendment also called to keep extra camping areas into the planning permit for bigger events to be held at the venue.
In moving the amendment, Councillor Andrea Pace said the move would allow the business more flexibility.
“I would like to agree with the council officers’ recommendation with the removal of 1 (a) d6, and 1 (a) e, removing the camping area zoned seven and eight, and removing them from the bushfire emergency plan,” she said.
“I just believe that this restricts the business use too far, doesn’t give the opportunity for the business operators to work out their own business. We want to give them the opportunity to be able to manage their business in the fullest possible way, and for that reason, I’ve moved for those areas to stay in the planning permit.”
Councillor Ned Jeffrey had some reservations about the potential expansion to music festivals but had confidence in the professionalism of the organisers, with it being noted that there have been multiple meetings held between the organisers, Country Fire Authority, Department of Transport and Planning and Environmental Protection Authority, who consented to the proposed amendments.
“I’ve visited this site and done a fair bit of investigation into it. I know that Seymour has had a bit of a mixed run with regard to festivals in general and I know they bring a lot of public apprehension, but on all accounts from both the applicant and also a number of regulatory bodies I spoke to, this site and this venue has been exemplary and very professional in their handling of festivals in the past,” he said.
“I would like to point out that I have some concerns about them expanding into music festivals and leasing their country to another party, and I do hope they’re not dragging the imaginary trojan horse to their business which is held in such high regard.
“I hope the applicants take that on board and are aware of who they’re bringing to their area, but generally, I very much support the success of this premises in this region.”
Councillor Nathan Clark saw the amendment’s success, which was voted unanimously, as a positive for the town.
“I think, personally, it’s great to see a growing business and have people from outside the Shire interested to come up here and spend their money, enjoy us and see us and take advantage of what we’ve got to offer. I encourage everyone to endorse this,” he said.
