Ed Sheeran’s Hanging Rock gig draws criticism from green group

SUPERSTAR Ed Sheeran’s intimate gig on Hanging Rock has been slammed by an environmentalist — but the council says it brought priceless exposure to the landmark.

Sheeran played to a small, invited audience. Picture: Jaden Oswald

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AN INTIMATE gig atop Hanging Rock last week by music superstar Ed Sheeran has brought worldwide attention to the Macedon Ranges.

But it has also divided some environmentalists who questioned its impact on wildlife.

Bruce Springsteen drew thousands to the Rock on Saturday and Rod Stewart, The Eagles and Cold Chisel have wowed audiences there but all those concerts have been on the East Paddock in front of the landmark.

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Sheeran performed at the top of the Rock, playing in front of a small, invited audience for a music video.

Videos from the event have already been viewed tens of thousands of times. Sheeran has a huge social media following, with 11 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, 15 million Facebook ‘likes’ and 17 million Twitter followers.

Macedon Ranges Council was delighted with the exposure.

“Hanging Rock has won a legion of new fans around the world,” Chief executive officer Peter Johnston said.

Ed Sheeran performs at Hanging Rock on February 5. Picture: Jaden Oswald

Bruce Springsteen drew thousands to the Rock, but that gig and others like it take place in the East Paddock in front of the landmark.

However, Federation for Environment and Horticulture in the Macedon Ranges president Amanda Gauci slammed the use of the rock site for the concert.

“The first priority for Hanging Rock should be the environment, not marketing or economics,” she said.

“Put it this way, would such an event be allowed at the top of Uluru?”

Macedon Range Wildlife Network president Marcus Ward said he hoped care was taken in running the event.

“There are a lot of species just hanging on at places like Hanging Rock,” he said.

“It’s literally an island for many species such as the powerful owl and koalas and possibly greater gliders.”

But Mr Johnston said the event conformed to all requirements, including environmental considerations.

He said the council’s environment and Hanging Rock staff, along with CFA and SES members, oversaw the concert, which took place after opening hours and ran for just more than 30 minutes.

“(It) was kept confidential to ensure fans did not flock to the reserve,” Mr Johnston said.

“The event conformed to all requirements including environmental considerations.

“Councillors were advised of the filming prior to the event. Heritage Victoria inspected the site after and no concerns have been raised.”