Outdoor concerts to rock hundreds

Alex de Vos
Outdoor concerts for hundreds of patrons are set to rock Torquay after Surf Coast Shire approved a new venue at The Rose restaurant this week.
But the plans have angered nearby Jan Juc residents concerned about increased noise, parking and activities typical of large-scale outdoor events.
The shire’s planning committee gave The Rose a green light to host six “live entertainment events” between December and June for crowds of up to 800 in a new outdoor venue. The committee allowed the events to operate on weekends between 9am and 10pm.
The Rose manager Andrew Walsh said he was happy the proposal had been approved.
“It’s an exciting proposition for all,” Mr Walsh said.
The events would feature bands, soloists and DJs, he said.
A planning committee report said The Rose concerts would use Torquay Football Club’s oval for off-site parking.
A shuttle bus would ferry patrons from the oval to the venue, the report said.
The restaurant would operate in conjunction with each event to provide either sit-down meals and/or food and beverage stalls outside.
Surf Coast Shire received 20 objections from residents and business owners.
Objectors said they feared the proposal would create a traffic bottleneck while increasing littering and vandalism around The Rose.
Mr Walsh said authorities would receive a “detailed” traffic and parking management plan before each event.
“At least three months prior to each event, an event management plan to the satisfaction of the responsible authority must be submitted to and approved by the responsible authority,” he said.
The planning committee report said the proposal was “broadly consistent” with Surf Coast Shire and Great Ocean Road Region tourism strategies.
“It will have limited adverse impact on the amenity of surrounding rural properties and the wider residential area,” the report said.
“The number of events is limited and the permit will lapse (on) 30 June, 2009, which will allow for review of any future application should (it) be received.”