More than 5000 music fans opposing a draft policy that could see music events banned from Byron Shire because of the burden on the community, have signed a petition circulating on www.bluesfest.com.au.
Peter Noble, the director of Bluesfest, (which just completed another successful event in Byron) says the draft policy is "ridiculous". Considering other events that celebrate food, wine, sport and cane toad races are not on the hit list, you have to wonder what the Byron Shire Council have against music. Particularly something like Bluesfest that you would imagine contributes to local economy in a big way. Peter noble has stated " The policy affects everyone in the entire shire, who rely on these events each year to bring in tens of millions of dollars into the local economy as well as employing several hundred people."
Noble opened the petition on Thursday night and has been receiving in the order of 500 signatures per hour. Byron Shire council have stated that although the draft policy states that ban will affect "any outdoor music event exceeding 6000 attendees for any duration." they were considering revising the policy to include a "major events" clause that would potentially enable out door music festivals.
Sign the petition here www.bluesfest.com.au. The deadline for petition signing is 24/04/2011.
