Police say rogue Maitreya music festival a ‘recipe for disaster’

Police are pleading with party-goers to steer clear of a rogue music festival in Victoria’s west this weekend due to ‘severe’ safety risks.

The Maitreya music festival at Lake Wooroonook, near Charlton, looks set to go ahead, despite organisers failing to obtain permits from council and VCAT.

As a result, police, paramedics and fire services will not be on site at the four-day event.

‘Without a permit, there’s no accountability to ensure the environment is safe for patrons and free from hazards,’ Inspector Dan Davison said.

‘We’re looking at a situation that involves the gathering of potentially thousands of people in an area that has not been declared safe, with a lack of basic services such as water, toilets, medical care and emergency response.

‘The health and safety risks associated with that gathering are a real concern.

‘Add to this the potential fire risk that comes with humid and hot weather ? it’s a recipe for disaster.

‘We’re simply telling people it’s not safe to attend. If you have a loved one or friend attending, don’t’ let them put their safety at risk.’