Free Range Events said it was forced to cancel a music festival scheduled for the Brindabella Valley due to a last minute change of heart by Snowy Valleys Council. Photo: Free Range/Insert: Snowy Valley Council.
Music festival organisers Free Range Events has claimed it has lost upwards of $50,000 after it was forced to cancel its planned 2025 gathering due to what it claims was poor handling of a Development Application by the Snowy Valleys Council.
The three-day arts, music and cultural event was planned for Brindabella Valley from Friday 5 September.
However, Free Range Events managing director Charlie Dimoff says the Development Application (DA) required to hold the event was marred by contradictory communication, avoidable delays, and a denial of procedural fairness by Snowy Valleys Council, resulting in it being cancelled on the eve of the event.
“We played by the rules, we engaged in good faith and we invested significant funds to meet every requirement,” Mr Dimoff said.
“Despite lodging all required documents on time and investing more than $30,000 in compliance, safety, and planning measures, we were informed only last week – nearly seven weeks after the close of the public exhibition period – that more than 10 submissions had been received.
“This late disclosure automatically referred the DA to councillors, delaying any decision until just three days before the event was due to commence.”
Mr Dimoff said the late notice all but killed any chance of the event running this year, leaving many performers and visitors disappointed.
“To be told at the 11th hour that late submissions have been postponed and derailed our application, without us ever seeing them or having the opportunity to respond, is not just disappointing, it’s procedurally unfair. It made the safe and responsible delivery of this event impossible.
“Between the three of us who finance this event, we’ve lost 30 grand in consultation fees and DA fees alone. Including the contractor work on the property, like earth moving, plumbing and fixing up the land, it would take it up to around $50-60,000.
“Snowy Valley Council states it supports community and tourism events. Our experience through this six-month process has shown otherwise.”
In response, Snowy Valleys Council said it was committed to supporting local festivals and events, while also ensuring that the appropriate planning was in place.
“Due to the complexity of the proposal and the need for referrals to the Rural Fire Service, local emergency services and the local Traffic Committee, the timeframe was unfortunately too tight to ensure all requirements were met for a September 2025 event,” acting director Community and Corporate Nick Wilton said.
“Council has met with the organisers and outlined the additional information that will strengthen their application and has also committed to facilitating further discussions between the organisers and local emergency services to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
“Council looks forward to continuing its partnership with the organisers to help deliver a safe, successful and well-supported festival in March 2026.”
Mr Dimoff said, despite the setback, Free Range Events would continue producing community arts and music events and remains committed to working with Snowy Valleys Council to bring the gathering to the region in future years.
