AusLeisure

Up to 20 concerts could be held at Victoria's Hanging Rock over the next five years as a result of an agreement between Macedon Ranges Council and concert promoter Michael Gudinski's Frontier Touring enterprise.

Following an earlier three year trial agreement that saw international stars Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen and Rod Stewart perform in the shadow of the famous landscape, the new agreement will see more large scale music events at what Gudinki calls a "world class venue."

Welcoming the new deal, Gudinski stated "the extended term allows us the ability to plan further ahead and will mean we can implement a number of exciting initiatives that will help ensure Hanging Rock continues to attract the high calibre artists."

Gudinski now plans to showcase Hanging Rock as a world class venue in partnership with local businesses such as wineries, stating "the involvement and support of local wineries, vendors and the wider community has further added to the appeal of these concerts and we're looking forward to continuing the development of these relationships over the next five years."

Two Bruce Springsteen concerts at Hanging Rock in 2013 attracted 34,000 people and brought an estimated $9.7 million to the region.

Commenting on the concerts held during the three year trial, Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor Roger Jukes told The Music “the economic benefit to the region grew with each concert held at the Rock."

A Council-commissioned analysis of Springsteen’s 2013 concerts showed that 16.75% of ticket sales were sold to interstate visitors (5,695 tickets) and 9.04% (2,804) of the adult population in the Macedon Ranges Shire attended.

Council backing for the specialised live music venue has been boosted by a successful application for a $2 million grant through the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) to develop infrastructure at Hanging Rock.

The funding will be used overhaul the Hanging Rock concert venue with improved electricity and water supply, upgraded informal lighting in the main reserve and picnic grounds, and improved car parking and picnic facilities such as shelters, toilets and BBQs.

Commercial activities and other developments around Hanging Rock, including plans for a conference centre and spa, have been opposed by a vocal community campaign.

As a result, Macedon Ranges' councillors are being advised to support a heritage listing for Hanging Rock.

Backers of the site's listing on the Victorian Heritage Register cite its geological, cultural and environmental significance.

20th May 2014 - DEAL AGREED TO PREVENT HANGING ROCK DEVELOPMENT

3rd April 2014 - GUDINSKI DELIGHTED WITH HANGING ROCK CONCERT TRIALS

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