Environmentalists say By The Bay Festival will damage fragile Sandringham foreshore
A music festival set to draw hundreds of revellers to the Sandringham foreshore this weekend has angered locals, who say they were not consulted over the closure of the beach for three days at the height of summer.
Inner South
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Plans for a music festival at Sandringham Beach have angered community groups and politicians, who say it will harm the fragile foreshore and cause noise disturbances.
This Saturday’s By The Bay Festival is expected to draw crowds of more than 1500 revellers to hear big name DJs and dance artists including Boo Seeka, Young Franco and Benson.
But Sandringham Foreshore Association president Dr Vicki Karalis said the group wasn’t consulted by organisers or the council.
“Our bayside coastline is a sensitive natural environment and we’re concerned about the negative impact to the flora and fauna of the surrounding area,” Dr Karalis said.
“Our beaches and cliffs should be treated with the upmost sensitivity and care.”
She said festivals along the St Kilda foreshore were “significantly different” to Sandringham Beach.
“The St Kilda foreshore is very different and it doesn’t have a natural costal reserve such as the bushes in Sandringham – it’s a built up area,” she said.
“The beach will be closed to the public for three days as there will be a set up and clean up day.”
Sandringham Liberal MP Brad Rowswell said Bayside Council’s decision to privatise the beach for a music festival, without first consulting local clubs, businesses and residents was not only high-risk but a “dumb idea”.
“Earlier this month, our magnificent Sandringham coastline was used to promote Australia to the world,” he said.
“Just a few weeks later that same stretch of beach will be fenced off for the exclusive use of 1500 paying customers – that’s just not right.”
He said the council and its mayor Clarke Martin needed to justify to the community on what basis the permit was issued.
“They need to justify why they have made the decision to restrict Sandringham beach access for local people and visitors during this busy time of year.”
But Bayside Council Mayor Clarke Martin said the festival met all of the council’s conditions including noise and environmental controls.
“We are trying to provide opportunities for young people and this application met our criteria. It’s close to public transport an supported by Victoria Police,” Mr Martin said.
“We hope the festival goes very well and hope we can do more of them.”
Bayside Council chief executive Mick Cummins said the event permit process required the event organiser to notify all surrounding residents and businesses within proximity of the event.
“Council and the event organiser have met with the Sandringham Life Saving Club and the Sandringham Yacht Club and have also made contact with the Sandringham Football Club and other nearby businesses in relation to the By the Bay festival,” Mr Cummins said.
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“In response to possible impacts on the environment, the event organiser has partnered with Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 12 January (the day after the By The Bay event) to ensure the foreshore meets the standards expected of the community.”
By The Bay Festival has been contacted for comment.