“The majority of the community have been fantastic, and incredibly supportive, as have council. It’s unfortunate a small group of objectors has managed to delay the show, and it doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t be [at Birregurra] in 2023.”

This year’s event, from December 29 to 31, will be held across two city stages.

Organisers said all camping tickets already sold will be automatically refunded from September 29, and ticket holders unable to attend the newly-announced Melbourne venue can apply for a ticket refund, until October 13.

“Melbourne was the easy option, a pre-existing venue with approval in place,” Ducrou said. “It’s not just the Bowl in concert format, it’s the Bowl and surrounds, so we’re increasing the footprint into the surrounding park area.”

Colac Otway Shire received 24 letters of objection to the original proposal from Falls organisers, ranging from concerns about increased traffic and the impact on surrounding farm land and animals, to a lack of consultation with residents.

Mayor of Colac Otway Shire, Cr Kate Hanson, said the upcoming VCAT hearing would provide an “independent review of these objections” and council continued to support the plan.

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“Council is disappointed for our community groups and business owners who were looking forward to an increase in spending in the region this year by having the Falls Festival here,” she said.

“However, we’re pleased Secret Sounds is still keen to continue to consider our shire for future Falls Festival events.”

Organisers had planned for 25,000 ticket holders to attend this year’s event in Birregurra, but that will be scaled back to 18,000 at each of the three days in Melbourne.

“The line-up is fantastic, it’s still going to be a great show, and we get fireworks now too,” said Ducrou.

Meanwhile, works are underway at North Byron Parklands ahead of Byron Bay’s Falls Festival, December 31 to January 2. Upgrades to the festival site, valued at $1 million, include additional drainage, ground and roadworks, and improvements to entry points.

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