Doug PollardCome to Daylesford Mar 6-9
March 1st 2009 21:04
ChillOut turns Daylesford into the rural gay capital every year
UPDATE _ UPDATE
FIRE SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED
FIRE SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED
As of today (Sunday, 1 March) the Muskvale Hogans Rd fire in the Daylesford area that occurred early last week has been successfully managed and will not adversely impact on our plans for ChillOut over the Labour Day long weekend.
The operations staging area at Victoria Park, Daylesford, was closed Saturday night .
ChillOut, in consultation with the CFA and Hepburn Shire Council, is doing its utmost to ensure that we will all enjoy a safe and wonderful festival.
CFA Awareness Message - Muskvale Hogans Rd Fire 5.00pm - Update 01/03/2009
The Muskvale Hogan's Rd fire is currently under control and is being regularly patrolled. Mild conditions have allowed fire fighters to strengthen control lines. Blacking out to 60 metres and beyond has continued today with crews from the DSE and ACT Emergency Services Authority Task Force. Fresh crews from the ACT arrive tonight to continue the mop up in preparation for the extreme fire danger expected on Tuesday.
Now, more than ever, country Victoria needs your support and our celebration of life, diversity and fun that is ChillOut. We look forward to welcoming you here for another great year of festivities.
A joint statement will be issued by ChillOut, Hepburn Shire Council and the CFA on Tuesday (3 March) or earlier providing a final update on conditions and plans for ChillOut.
FIRE SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED
Daylesford ChillOut Festival, the largest gay and lesbian festival in rural Australia, will go ahead as planned March 6-9 2009. The festival brings around 20,000 people to the famous spa town over Labour Day weekend every year, pumping more than $6m annually into the local economy.
“It’s vital that people continue to visit Daylesford,” said ChillOut President Doug Pollard, “because the local economy relies so heavily on tourism. It’s a tremendous place to visit, with great local food and wine, and of course the healing waters for which it’s famous.”
“Labour Day long weekend will be the perfect time to come and enjoy the best the gay and lesbian community, and Daylesford, have to offer.”
For full details check out Really Long Link
ChillOut Carnival Host Dolly Diamond
The CFA confiirms that the area is safe to visit, provided you stay away from the burnt areas, and keep in touch with local news. The ChillOut committee has issued an interim statement as follows:
The best advice ChillOut has available as of today, Saturday, is that it will be safe to go ahead with ChillOut 2009 as planned Really Long Link
ChillOut, in consultation with the CFA and the Shire Council Really Long Link is doing it’s utmost to ensure that we can enjoy a safe and worry-free festival.
ChillOut Carnival headliner Leo Sayer
The best advice we have at this point indicates that any danger is over and any remaining threat is small and diminishing daily.
We can say this with confidence because:
• The burnt areas lie to the south and east of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs: the towns themselves are completely untouched.
• The area which burned consists of farmland and bush. Some agricultural infrastructure such as sheds and fences were destroyed, and some livestock, but happily no homes and no lives were lost, thanks to the speed and efficiency of the response. Sadly, large numbers of wildlife were not so lucky.
• Massive resources, including eight water bombing aircraft and more than 75 ground crews, were deployed to control and contain the fire quickly.
• Any small fires and smouldering remnants in the vicinity of Daylesford are now contained.
• A second backup containment line is being built outside the existing containment line, to further reduce the chance of any breakout. The edges are being saturated with fire retardant.
• Surveillance flights to detect any hotspots are continuing.
• 500 firefighters are working on the ground to extinguish hot spots within the containment areas.
• The CFA has 81 appliances attending including waterbombing helicopters at Victoria Park .
• Friday’s weather was more benign than forecast, so there have been no flare-ups or breakouts, allowing for yet more fire suppression and containment.
• Cooler showery weather is expected in the Daylesford area next week, with a 70-90% chance of rain in the area on Tuesday, along with expected high wind
• There will be a continuous police presence at Carnival Day to ensure that everyone is kept fully informed, and to assist in any evacuation, should one become necessary.
• The Shire Council has a well-developed plan for dealing with emergencies, and a brochure with detailed information and advice has been placed in all tourist accommodation, including every hotel room.
These and other measures should ensure that ChillOut will be able to proceed safely.
Now, more than ever, country Victoria needs you to come and cheer us up, help us forget the troubles we have just been through, celebrate life and square up to the future Really Long Link
We look forward to welcoming you to our unique celebration on Labour Day Long Weekend, Mar 6-9.
ChillOut entertainment hub The Palais Hepburn Springs
A joint statement will be issued by ChillOut, Hepburn Shire Council and the CFA on Tuesday at the latest detailing final arrangements.
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