[UPDATE] Maitreya Organisers Cite Weather As Reason Behind Cancellation

update 

Just hours after two Facebook posts announcing the cancellation of Maitreya Festival were inexplicably taken down, organisers have released yet another statement, insisting that this weekend's weather forecast is the reason behind the last-minute axing.

"To the dear people of our tribe, we are having to call off the event due to the weather that has occurred up onsite the past 24 hours," the statement reads.

"There is no safe way into and out of the site. We urge you not to come as it is not safe onsite."

Meanwhile, Buloke Shire Council have today issued their own statement regarding the cancellation, insisting that it was never likely Maitreya would go ahead. 

"Not only had nearly all the food vendors pulled out but the partly constructed toilets wouldn’t have been serviced and the security and fire protection contractors had withdrawn," the statement reads.

"Previously contracted sound and lighting companies had decided not to attend but that is probably a moot point because the rental companies providing power and other facilities are removing their generators and light towers from the site. Without power, the music won’t be the same and the lack of lighting will see activities finishing early."

See below for screen shots of two previous cancellation announcements posted earlier today which have since been removed. 

A statement released on the festival Facebook page just minutes ago reads, "Due to circumstances beyond our control it is with a heavy heart that I now come to inform you that the Festival will not proceed as planned.

"We've tried every possible avenue of keeping our beautiful festival afloat, but unfortunately as of early this morning that is no longer possible. We will provide you a full update as soon as we can. We're so sorry for this and are beyond devastated ourselves."

The news comes in the wake of Belgium act Digicult blasting organisers for axing their set initially scheduled to take place this weekend. 

"We were promised fee payment months ago, but of course that never happened," the duo said.

"The promoters promised many times to take care of it, even once told me it had been taken care of...after being told ten times it would happen, you kind of stop believing when they say it for the 11th time."