Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has finalised its decision on operating times for this year’s Beyond the Valley festival that will be held at Lardner Park, near Warragul, from 28 to 31 December 2016.
EPA Gippsland Regional Manager Stephen Lansdell said EPA recognised this was an important event on the Australian music calendar, and that a well-run event was in the best interests of all.
“Festival organisers had applied to EPA to have music played up to and past midnight, with one request to 4am (on Sunday morning),” he said.
“However the hours of operation will be reduced from what the organisers applied for on some nights.
“Our decision strikes the right balance between festival organisers and patrons, community and other regulatory agencies.
“The organisers have improved their preparation and noise management plans this year, and have proactively engaged with local community.
“Given some community concerns around late finishing times and noise last year, they will need to show those plans can be successfully implemented before EPA is willing to further extend operating hours in the future.
“EPA and other government agencies will continue to work together to ensure the festival is compliant with noise limits, wastewater management, food safety standards, building standards and liquor licensing.”
EPA encourages the community to report pollution to its 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or by visiting www.epa.vic.gov.au
EPA approved operations time are:
- Wednesday 28th December: Only the Central Stage will operate, and operate from 1pm to 10pm
- Thursday 29th December: Stages Open: Central Park, Main and Pavilion/Marquee.
Central Park Stage will cease at 11pm, Main Stage will cease at 1am and Pavilion stage at 1:30am (the next day)
- Friday 30th December: Stages Open: Central Park, Main and Pavilion/Marquee
Central Park Stage will cease at 11pm, Main Stage will cease at 1am and Pavilion stage at 1:30am (the next day)
- Saturday 31st December: Stages Open: Central Park, Main and Pavilion/Marquee
Central Park Stage will cease at 11pm, Main Stage will cease at 2am and Pavilion stage at 3am (the next day).