Surveillance steps up to target high-risk forest raves

Image: An unauthorised rave set up in the Wombat State Forest

Surveillance to detect unauthorised rave events in the Grampians and Loddon Mallee has increased, due to ongoing safety risks from elevated fire danger.

The Conservation Regulator has taken the approach as investigations continue into the recent planning and staging of illegal rave events in local state forests.

Strengthened surveillance measures include online monitoring for illegal event planning, increasing patrols in locations known for unauthorised rave events, and deploying aerial surveillance to detect suspicious activity in forested areas.

Unauthorised music events in state forests typically operate without the required risk assessments, fire safety plans and proper emergency access, making it difficult to evacuate attendees if a fire starts or a bushfire moves towards the area.

Without safety planning for large events in forested areas, fires can ignite from vehicles, generators, campfires or discarded cigarettes. During heightened fire danger, even a small fire can quickly become a bushfire.

Earlier this month the Conservation Regulator, with support from Victoria Police, shut down an illegal rave event in the Wombat State Forest which had an estimated 1,000 attendees. Officers seized high-volume sound equipment including amplifiers, mixers and a trailer-mounted generator from the site.

In the weeks prior, a similar event was held at the same location near Ballan.

Planning for a third event, in the Upper Loddon State Forest south of Castlemaine on New Year’s Eve, was cancelled after the Conservation Regulator became aware of event preparations. Officers warned organisers that they could face prosecution and seizure of sound equipment if the event proceeded.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action requires permits for any event on Crown land involving 30 or more people, or infrastructure such as stages or marquees.

Applications must include detailed safety, environmental, and traffic management plans and be lodged at least eight weeks before the event.

The Conservation Regulator can pursue court action for unauthorised events. Organisers may also be held liable for environmental damage and clean-up costs.

Event organisers are urged to consider the risks and responsibilities before planning any activity on public land. Planning for unauthorised events on public land can be reported to 136 186.

Quotes attributable to Conservation Regulator Director of Regulatory Operations Brian Hamer:

'Running an'unauthorised music event in state forest without proper planning and safety measures puts not only attendees at risk, but also emergency services who may be called on to respond.'

'Seizing items associated with illegal music events and prosecuting those involved in the coordination, is designed to disrupt the progress of these events and reduce the likelihood of similar events in the future.'

'We know these events are held in areas with limited access and no fire prevention planning. Combined with the ongoing fire danger and bushfires in the landscape - it’s a recipe for disaster.'