Council & Politics
19 September, 2025
Council green lights electronic music festival
A THREE-day electronic music festival at Carapooee West has been given the go ahead after positive feedback from the public.
A THREE-day electronic music festival at Carapooee West has been given the go ahead after positive feedback from the public.
But not without strict conditions being imposed by Northern Grampians Shire.
Organisers will be forced to have security and medical staff on site. An ambulance will also be required at the festival site each day.
Councillors last week also vot- ed to reduce festival plans by 24 hours to three days.
The 2025 Wild Horses event will take place in mid-November for patrons aged at least 21..
After the application by organisers was made public, council received eight objections, but also 16 letters of support.
Backing included the owners of one of the closest homes to the event and 15 from local business supporting the festival.
Cr Murray Emmerson told last week’s council meeting he had a long list of concerns, including the environmental impacts it would have on the site, particularly to Kara Kara National Park and potential for anti-social behaviour.
“I could go on and on,” he said. “The main thing is, it’s never been indicated or proven to me the economic benefit to the community.
“People come in, bring their own drinks, bring their own drugs, set up and have their weekend then walk away. Somebody has to tidy up and suffer the consequences.”
Cr Karen Probst said it was a difficult issue as it would be unfair for surrounding residents to have the constant music making them “feel uncomfortable in their own homes”.
But Cr Probst did ultimately vote to approve the application.
“It does tick all the boxes,” she said. “There are a lot of conditions that do try to minimise the risk.”
Councillors backed officer recommendations to issue a planning permit for a reduced three-days festival in line with previous events.
Cr Emmerson and Cr Jack Blake voted against the permit.
Wild Horses organisers say the event will be capped at 2500 people.
“We’re excited to reunite our tribe together for the 9th edition and looking forward to seeing you all once again. We aim to create a safe environment to enjoy freedom in its full sense,” they say.