Byron Parklands GM says Splendour & Falls risk being lost to Queensland

Splendour In The Grass and the Byron leg of Falls Festival are at danger of being lost to Queensland, according to North Byron Parklands general manager Mat Morris.

A $42 million proposal to turn the Parklands into a permanent festival site for up to 50,000 people has been met with backlash from local council, who’ve expressed concerns about being left out of the consultation process as well as the potential negative effects on the area.

But Morris told Fairfaxthat if the proposal is rejected, then not only will the festivals be lost to Queensland, but the area will suffer financially.

“it is very clear, NSW will lose two internationally renowned Australian festivals to Queensland,” he said.

“Hundreds of jobs and more than $100 million in economic benefits will leave a region with high youth unemployment and a range of businesses dependant on these events.”

The development proposal will see a conference centre built alongside an administration building and a permanent bar, as well as temporary camping for up to 30,000 people a day.

The proposal comes after a trial period of five years and subsequent 20-month extension period passed.

“Parklands’ long-term vision also includes the construction of a conference centre and associated accommodation as per the approved concept plan, with capacity for up to 180 attendees and accommodation for up to 120 guests a day,”

“It’s probably fair to say that Parklands is the most regulated and scrutinised festival site in NSW, not only by the DP&E [Department of Planning and Environment] but by some members of the local community,” Mr Morris said.

But the proposal is no sure thing, after Byron Shire Council expressed concerns about the impact of the redevelopment on the local area.

“Festivals bring creative, cultural and economic benefits for our shire but they are also a two-edged sword, impacting on our locals by way of traffic, waste and noise. These issues can be overcome but they are nonetheless real and important for residents,” said local mayor Simon Richardson.

Richardson has also called the consultation process that lead to the proposal “undemocratic and disrespectful” to local stakeholders.

“​I strenuously oppose the circumvention of local government decision-making because there is little consideration for the local community and to take the power to make decisions on important development applications is undemocratic and disrespectful,” he said.

“It is increasingly obvious that state governments of either party persuasion are intent on continuing to strip local communities from determining what is best for them and or adjudicating on developments that may affect them and this is occurring in Byron and across NSW.”

Byron Shire Council is planning a submission to the NSW Planning Department to highlight the issues the redevelopment would have on noise, traffic, emergency evacuation, ecology and more.