Published on Friday, 10 December 2021 at 2:18:53 PM
Shire of Denmark Chief Executive Officer David Schober said recent allegations of bias against a local winery were disappointing and completely untrue.
“Tourism and hospitality are key drivers of our local economy and the Shire of Denmark recognises and values the specific contribution made by all local businesses, including those in our viticulture industry,” Mr Schober said.
“It would be unfair to other businesses if one business didn’t have to comply with local laws and State Government legislation.”
“I called the owner of Rockcliffe Winery the morning after he announced publicly last week that he was cancelling his events, but he refused to take my call.”
“Businesses and event organisers in our community regularly apply to host events in the Shire of Denmark.”
“The Shire never received an event application from Rockcliffe, but we did contact them pre-emptively to let them know they would need to submit an application before this summer’s events, as is the case with all other public events.”
Event organisers across the State must comply with all relevant public health and safety regulations.
Local Government event approval processes are designed to assist organisers with this.
Mr Schober said events that don’t meet relevant legislative requirements void their public liability insurance, which can make the event organiser personally liable for any accident, injury or incident that may occur during the event.
“This is why Local Governments manage events approvals - to help event organisers avoid potential problems and to ensure public safety is not compromised,” he said.
“Regarding complaints made about illegal signage and illegal camping at Rockcliffe, all businesses in the Shire are required to follow the law.”
“Specifically, illegal roadside signage is a common issue and signs from multiple businesses are regularly taken down or asked to be removed in the interests of road safety.”
Mr Schober said the Shire encourages event organisers who want to learn more about events approvals to contact our friendly Community Services team for more information and support.
“We love community events like the summer series Rockcliffe traditionally runs and we hope to see them continue.”
Useful links:
Planning an Event – www.denmark.wa.gov.au/planning-an-event
Community Information Sheet – Public and Private events - www.denmark.wa.gov.au/news/community-information-sheet-for-events/20888
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