Threat to concerts

By Kath Gannaway
A 3000 person cap on all but two events in the Rochford Concert Series is a very real threat to the future of the concerts, according to Rochford owner Helmut Konecsny.
An application by Rochford to the Shire of Yarra Ranges council to approve a 2008-09 concert plan of eight concerts, including four with a limit of 6000 people and two for 7000, was refused after objections from neighbouring property owners, including businesses, objected to the proposal.
The council instead required Rochford to resubmit an event management plan for approval which set the upper limit of events at 6000 patrons and allowed for only two events of that scale, including the John Mellencamp concert held on Saturday night.
A request for two Sunday concerts of between 5500 and 6000 patrons was refused, with the council saying it would have a significant detrimental impact on the amenity of the surrounding neighbourhood and that the increased level of traffic would be unacceptable.
Wendy Harris represented a number of local residents objecting to what she said was a case of Rochford pushing the envelope to increase its bottom line.
She said claims by Rochford that the concerts brought people into the valley were illusory and that most people were bussed in and out on the same day.
She said neighbouring property owners faced difficulty accessing their properties, unacceptable levels of noise, dust, light pollution and drunken event patrons.
“One resident who lives 10 kilometres away hears every single word Marcia Hines sings,” she said.
“Residents understand that operators are businesspeople entitled within reason to pursue their interests but in recent years the adverse impact of these concerts has tilted unevenly in Rochford’s favour.
“It’s time that imbalance was addressed,” Ms Harris said.
Mr Konecsny said however Rochford had endeavoured to work closely with the shire, local residents and service organisations to create the maximum benefit for the region.
“The success of the Rochford events goes hand in hand with supporting local businesses, accommodation facilities and provides employment opportunities for members of the community,” he said.
He said the planned 2008-09 season would attract thousands of tourists to the valley providing patronage for accommodation providers and other local businesses.
Cr Jeanette McRae said while she believed there was a certain value in having the type of event held at Rochford they had an adverse impact on neighbours, and on the broader community in terms of traffic.
“I think this is a compromise in terms of what Rochford want and what the neighbours want,” she said of the motion, which fell a long way short of what Rochford was seeking.
While there was some support for Rochford’s request for more and bigger concerts, with Cr Noel Cliff stating he believed there was a benefit not only for the Yarra Valley, but a flow-on benefit to the Dandenong Ranges, Cr Monika Keane had the last word.
“Leave it at 3000,” she said.
“Would we change the size of an applicant’s housing envelope because they ordered more carpet than they should have?”
Tickets are already on sale for two major concerts, the Hoodoo Gurus in December and Simply Red in February.
Mr Konecsny said Rochford would continue to address issues raised by council and work with local residents to ensure the community continued to enjoy the economic benefits generated by the events.
He added however that the decision put into serious question the longevity and economic viability of the series.
“Their decision is based on a minority viewpoint and we will be taking all measures to drum up community support for the ongoing Rochford series,” he told the Mail.
“It’s a decision which not only affects Rochford, but the whole region in terms of economic impact.”