Wildlife and traffic fears over Backyard fest music event at Elphinstone

Wildlife advocates fear a weekend music festival in central Victoria will endanger native animals including rescued joeys.

Backyard Fest’s plans for an outdoor festival has some neighbours concerned.

A music festival to be held near a wildlife sanctuary in central Victoria has sparked a row after shire councillors rejected advice that the event would be too noisy and could cause traffic disruption.

The Backyard Fest site is also home to a mob of kangaroos near the Calder Freeway at Elphinstone, an hour north of Melbourne.

The festival aims to have 1500 people over the weekend of November 12-14.

But Nikki Medwell from the nearby Red Box Wildlife Shelter said the event was unsuitable for the area and that no ecological assessment had been conducted.

Backyard Fest is planned to be held at Elphinstone in November.

“Our wildlife is threatened and even the International Humane Society has objected to it.

“We do not object to the festival. We object to its location.’’

Thirteen objections were lodged with the original application. Since then wildlife advocates have started a campaign to overturn the festival approval and an appeal has been lodged with VCAT.

Backyard fest organiser Blake Van Leeuwen said he believed the event organisers can meet the 34 conditions of the council permit including traffic, fire safety, waste management and emergency operations.

“We will address those concerns because we believe this will be good for the community and the local economy.’’

A rescued joey at Red Box Wildlife Shelter, Elphinstone.

Mt Alexander Deputy Mayor Cr Bill Maltby said he was confident that all the “stringent” conditions would be met.

“Anything that will boost the economy that has gone through COVID is good for the community,’’ Cr Maltby said.

“There is a section of the community in opposition and there’s a section who think it’s a good thing.’’

The festival will feature a range of music genres, but mostly indie rock, blues, alternative as well as DJs. Yoga and art workshops will also be on offer.

Live music is scheduled on Friday from 7am to midnight and on Saturday from midday to 1am.

The 12-hectare site has a single entry access on Allendale Rd.

The original application was rejected by council officers because of concerns about bushfire, traffic and environmental concerns.

@IanRoyall

Originally published as Wildlife and traffic fears over Backyard fest music event at Elphinstone