The organiser of the Peregian Originals, Jay Bishoff, has contradicted Mayor Bob Abbott’s assertion that the free fortnightly music concerts don’t have adequate public liability insurance cover.

“Peregian Originals has always had full public liability insurance and we have always provided the required security for Peregian Originals concerts,” Mr Bishoff responded to our coverage of the 20 December event.

With more than 2,000 people attending, it was the biggest ever in the series’ 10-year history. Many had come to protest against Council plans to ban the gigs at the beachside location and rotate them to others.

Mr Abbott told us in an interview made on the day: “If there’s one accident and the traffic management plan hasn’t been instigated [Jay Bishoff’s public liability] insurer will walk away and say, ‘sorry Jay, it’s down to you’ and he has no chance. That’s what I’ve been trying to resolve for a number of months.”

“We also faithfully provide the Council-required toilets,” Mr Bishoff wrote to us. “The main problem with rubbish has always been that the market stall holders and the public fill all the bins before our event even starts. Of course, they overflow during our event.”

He continued: “The main issue with Council was traffic management, but the REAL main issue with Council was that they were trying to shut down the event and make it go away quietly, as they have been very pressed by a very small group of antagonistic Peregian residents for many months. I thought this was very clear to all by now.”

Mr Bishoff’s response in full:

“Firstly, Peregian Originals would like to express full gratitude for Noosa Community Radio’s consistent support through the years.

“Some clarification regarding the Dec. 23rd posting: Peregian Originals has always had full public liability insurance and we have always provided the required security for Peregian Originals concerts. We also faithfully provide the Council-required toilets. The main problem with rubbish has always been that the market stall holders and the public fill all the bins before our event even starts. Of course, they overflow during our event.

“The main issue with Council was traffic management, but the REAL main issue with Council was that they were trying to shut down the event and make it go away quietly, as they have been very pressed by a very small group of antagonistic Peregian residents for many months. I thought this was very clear to all by now.

“Both Council and our group agreed there were thousands (more than 2 thousand confirmed) who attended on Dec. 20th.

“Long live community radio! Jay”