Lookout Festival aftermath criticised

RUBBISH and noise complaints have left a sour taste in the mouth of some residents in the aftermath of the Lookout Festival at Torquay Common.

The February 18 rock concert was headlined by Grammy Award winners Queens of the Stone Age and included Australian band The Chats and “Black Betty” hitmakers Spiderbait.

While many locals raved about the concert, calling it “one of the best in recent memory”, some were left disappointed at the state of the venue’s day after the event.

Local resident Tim Wood said the condition of the festival site immediately afterwards was “a catastrophe” and “an absolute rubbish tip”.

“I actually can’t believe it’s true.

“The condition it has been left in is absolutely terrible. There are cable ties everywhere, cigarette butts, cans, packets of food and metal all blowing into the waterways.

“Most disturbingly, there is waste from festival organisers like pallets and abandoned tools.

“I didn’t think this happened in this century.”

Others complained on social media about the noise, with one resident calling out promoters and posting “they must be held responsible for the noise levels of this and future events”.

“It makes the noise levels of the Hot Rods on Spring Creek Reserve in the ’70s pretty low.”

“Live music is great, but not so loud that your house rattles and cracks windows. Most concerts are not an issue but last night’s was,” another wrote.

Land managers the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority have responded to both claims.

“We have received two reports concerning litter following the Lookout Festival event held at Torquay Common,” a spokesperson said.

“As of Tuesday morning, the event organisers were actively restoring the site to its original condition, as mandated by the conditions of the major event permit.

“The event organiser has a commendable track record of complying with permit conditions, including those related to previous events held on Torquay Common.

“During our final inspection on Tuesday, it was observed that the site hadn’t yet been fully vacated.

“Upon discovering the remaining litter, we immediately activated a clean-up response crew to address the situation.

“In line with the permit’s requirements, the event organisers will bear the costs associated with the clean-up.

“On this occasion the clean-up by event organisers did not meet our high standards and we’ll work together to ensure that these standards are met into the future.

“The permit mandates compliance with EPA Guidelines on noise pollution, and there have been no related complaints received.”

Festival promoters Face to Face Touring had not responded to questions by deadline.

The next concert at Torquay Common is the Here Comes the Sun festival on March 30.