Fiery Debate Over Oz Festival Site

Two public debates in the Byron Bay area – on whether a new site can host the Splendour In The Grass festival and two other events annually – descended into yelling matches and tearful scenes.

More than 100 people spoke over two days. The debates were hosted by the New South Wales Planning Assessment Commission, which will grant the final approval.

Last year, the NSW government agreed that the site, in Yelgun, could host three events in a year, capped at 30,000, 25,000 and 15,000.

But local residents and environmental groups insist these events are too big for the area.

Russell Mills, chief executive of the Northern Rivers Tourism, argued that the Yelgun events would inject $192.6 million annually into the region.

Bluesfest’s Peter Noble pointed out that his move some years ago to set up a permanent site for his festival received far more scrutiny.