Music festival’s big economic boost

MILLIONS of dollars could be injected into the Golden Plains Shire economy, if a major music festival’s move to Hesse goes ahead.

Beyond The Valley festival director Filippo Palermo said BTV, which will be held in the region’s west if a planning report is accepted, would bring benefits to the community through a direct financial contribution as well as tourism, job creation, and increased awareness of the local area.

“The festival, which has previously been held in Warragul, contributed an economic impact of $16m annually into the Gippsland region,” Mr Palermo said.

“The move to Barunah Plains has a projected economic impact of $30m injected into the local region in its first year.

“The organisers have also made a commitment to donate up to $50,000 to local community groups before the first event.”

He said organisers had been in contact with local groups about collaboratively hosting the festival’s annual community barbecue, where all profits are split between participating organisations.

“The festival will also be hosting an annual community grants program with a total of $50,000 committed annually with application information coming soon,” Mr Palermo said.

“Event organisers will be working with traditional owners to host an annual Welcome To Country and have historically donated $1 per ticket to AIME.”

Mr Palermo said the festival would work with fire safety group Firetac, to “prevent the festival requiring resources from the CFA that the local area requires”.

The event and site management, including traffic, is being overseen and managed by industry leader Humm Events, he said.