Falls finally gets go-ahead

FALLS Festival has won planning approval at its new home north of the Otways following a contested council decision.

Revellers will ring in the new year at the festival’s new location at Murroon, south of Birregurra, in December this year as it shifts from its traditional home at Lorne.

Colac Otway Shire councillors voted four-three in favour of granting a permit last month after neighbouring farmers rallied in opposition to plans, raising concerns around livestock welfare, noise impacts and traffic congestion.

The council heard submissions on the proposal in May and directed planning officers to provide more clarity on livestock concerns and cultural heritage.

But the majority of councillors agreed that economic benefits of the four-day celebration outweighed the risk following a marathon hour-long debate.

“Letters of support, and community members who spoke to their submissions, recognised the event would also open up fundraising opportunities for local groups and organisations,” council mayor Kate Hanson said.

“Hosting the event, with a well-known and established Australian music festival that showcase world class international and local performers to thousands of music fans, will have a significant effect on raising the profile of the area, for the summer period and also year-round tourism.”

The festival can go ahead with a permit that includes 41 conditions, including an Animal Monitoring Plan, strict time limits for set-up, pack up and set times and a bond deposit to cover any land damage.

The permit lasts for two years, with a maximum capacity of 25,000 patrons this year and 30,000 in 2023.

Arctic Monkeys, Lil Nas X and The Wiggles are among this year’s headline acts for the festival that begins on December 29.