While some resource use is almost unavoidable, much of it can be reduced or used more efficiently. This year we will be targeting three main areas: water use, waste generation and transport.
This is summer time on the driest inhabited continent on earth. It should therefore come as no surprise that water availability comes at a cost, financially and environmentally. Free drinking water is available onsite and its regular use is strongly encouraged. Dehydration can be a serious issue and can occur even on overcast days, however water is provided on the understanding that it is used responsibly and not wasted.
A limited number of wash cubicles are provided onsite for your convenience but we ask that you restrict your water use as much as possible.
Dust can be a significant problem that is usually suppressed with large amounts of water. This year we will be using an organic additive to the water tanks that enables a significant reduction in the water used on the dirt roads coming into the event.
We are investigating ways to reuse as much water as possible from the market stalls to help the surrounding ecology.
Toilets:
Once again we will be using Natural Event’s <www.naturalevent.com.au> composting toilets, which not only eliminate a huge amount water and chemical used in traditional portable toilets, but most agree are a much more pleasant experience! Antiseptic hand gel is located outside all the toilets which is not only the most effect way to clean you hands but uses no water!
Waste.
One of the festival’s major issues, and definitely the most obvious, is the waste generated from thousands of people living together for four days. We take this problem seriously and are keen to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, but we need your help!
- This year we are introducing ORGANIC RECYCLING. All plates, bowls, cups and cutlery are compostable and go into the green bin with any food scraps.
- Again this year there will be a recycling stream for plastic bottles and cans. We request that you follow the simple instructions when using these facilities.
- THINK about what you are bringing onsite, DO NOT bring along bulky items such as couches or gazebos unless you take them home with you.
- As usual you will be provided with RUBBISH BAGS and cigarette-butt containers at the gate and we ask that you use them for waste disposal. More bags and containers will be available from the information tent. Before leaving take yhou rubbish with you or please deposit it in one of the skips, leaving your campsite in the same or better condition that you found it!
Transport.
The problems associated with transporting thousands of people to and from a remote event, ensuring transport is available for all and a desire to reduce the number of vehicles on the festival site has lead to a preference for alternative transport solutions.
- A V/Line train service now runs from Melbourne to Beaufort with a connecting shuttle service to the festival site, see the *transport section* for details.
- Carpooling is also encouraged and connections can be made through the *forum*
- The reduce traffic congestion, dust issues and the risk of accidents, we strongly encourage patrons to use the shuttle bus to travel between the site and Beaufort during the event.