It was scheduled for Sunday, October 6, but the Long Jetty Festival has been cancelled after Central Coast Council refused to give it the green light.
Council has refused the festival’s development application for a whole list of reasons, including concerns by the local police, despite Council being named as a “proud sponsor” of the event which last year attracted thousands.
The Council concerns included the festival adversely affecting residential amenity, placing unreasonable demands on safety and security services, traffic and pedestrian impacts, parking, public drop off and pick up zones and the timing of the event over the October long weekend coinciding with the football grand final.
Council said the festival failed to provide detail in the Transport Management Plan in relation to delays and contingencies for the road network, the single proposed parking area 2.5km away, holding only 360 cars with one shuttle bus for an event anticipating to attract 20,000 attendees.
Tuggerah Lakes Police District said the Long Jetty Festival presented a significant challenge for local police, who must manage the increased workload associated with the event.
“Officers will be responsible with maintaining public safety in large crowds, a role that demands vigilance, constant monitoring and a quick response to any potential threat,” police said in a submission to Council.
“Additionally, the presence of three licensed premises within the festival’s footprint adds another layer of complexity.
“Monitoring these venues for compliance with alcohol regulations, preventing disorderly conduct and responding to potential incidents demands substantial resources and attention.”
Police said the cumulative effect of these responsibilities could lead to considerable strain on the police force.
“The Long Jetty Hotel, The Savoy Hotel and Liquorland are expected to face significant challenges due to the upcoming event, as road closures on Pacific St, Long Jetty are set to be enforced starting Saturday October 5,” the police said.
A business in the area questioned the closure of Pacific St for the festival and police said local residents who couldn’t get to their homes would use the street for parking.
The increased traffic congestion and road closures lead to significant delays and safety hazards for both motorists and pedestrians, police said.
“Coral St carpark will be parked-out by Friday due to holiday stays in The Entrance,” police said.
“The fact that the organisers have even nominated Coral St carpark would indicate they have no idea about the increased population of The Entrance over a long weekend and have not considered this with the selection of the date of October 6.”
The Dreggs and Goteria were due to play at the popular festival which features hundreds of stalls and buskers and other amusements.
Coast News has been unable to contact festival organisers for comment.
God the council are wankers its a fabulous day ruined by way to many rules as for the police put more people on the nanny state killing every one’s fun unbelievable
why don’t fix these problems shore is an easy fix Sydney gets all the glory fix it maybe cancel football
Football have a police management plan that has been in place for decades. Simply organisers have not paid attention and provide a plan for this particular area One plan for all doesn’t work. Unfortunately many will miss the extra income the festival would of generated for locals
Having recently moved back to CC after 7 years(lived here all my life prior) I was astounded to find The Entrance so dead… such a beautiful area just wasted. Long jetty trying so hard to pick up the pieces, but this cancellation is heartbreaking… we have become a nanny town. No live music venues, markets have all but become boring, Gosford waterfront the most WASTED beautiful site.. VERY disappointing
You,re all losers up there anyway, stay home and behave yourselves.
How typical of Central Coast Council. We are not surprised at all by the anti- fun police dictating what is or is not allowable. Obviously based on “public consultation” of whom? The pedestrians traffic safety, they say that they are concerned about, are the same people who have ( or at least, would have) chosen to attend. Another opportunity to promote the Central Coast as a premium tourist destination destroyed by the liars who espouse to be the promoters. The Central Coast continues to encourage tourists to visit, spend their time & money anywhere but the Central Coast. It’s shabby, run down, vacant & empty shop fronts are obviously not enough incentive for any Central Coast Council, moving forward, to change their decades ingrained inability to progress our area into an region where holiday makers & tourists might actually find anything to do. What a disgraceful wasted opportunity. Shame on all of you responsible.
I also don’t expect to hear from anyone responsible. Frankly if I were one of you I’d hide too!
this is outrageous. been looking forward to this since last year. an alternative date should be considered.
Events like these bring much needed economic injection into the community.
It is a shame that council and police aren’t supporting the event.
With Rick Hart in control of Council and the Government controlling his office it’s only one of many problems he is causing. Look at the rules he has set for the incoming Council. Please read about the unconstitutional rules and removing our democratic rights.
The quicker Ric Hart leaves the better.
Yes Rick Hart is the biggest disaster that the coast has ever seen.This guy has destroyed our great area in just four years of his control over our council with his actions and his policies that have cost all rate payers money which a lot of people don’t have . He is a disgrace and I for one can’t wait for him to move on and destroy some other council.
can’t wait for Rick Hart to leave as he is only there to cover up for the lost money. He can’t allow an event that has been run hefore. I look forward to having a real council.
How old are the xxxx people making these dessions
i bet there young and have no wisdom this stinks ….