By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Due to recent storm damage and ongoing safety concerns, the Puffing Billy Running Festival has been rescheduled to Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October.
Emerald Lake Park, the festival’s primary venue, has been closed by Cardinia Shire Council since Wednesday 28 August, impacting both the public and Puffing Billy Railway due to safety hazards.
Emerald Lake Park is essential to the festival, hosting the 1.2km and 5km events, the finish areas for the 13.5km and 21.1km races, as well as the race trains and parking.
Cardinia Shire Council’s general manager of liveable communities Michael Casey, said the closure was necessary to ensure public safety in response to severe weather and ongoing damaging winds affecting the Shire.
“The Emerald Lake Precinct, which includes Emerald Lake Park and Nobelius Heritage Park, was closed following severe weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology for Victoria,” Mr Casey said.
“The area has been hit hard by strong winds, leaving behind fallen trees, branches, and debris. With more severe weather forecasts, the closure remains in effect.”
“We are collaborating with Puffing Billy Railway and other operators to facilitate cleanup efforts. We are eager to host the Puffing Billy Running Festival once it is safe to do so.”
While the Council has partially reopened the Emerald Lake Precinct, including Nobelius Heritage Park and Emerald Lake Park, the bush tracks will remain closed during ongoing cleanup.
“We thank our residents for their patience and encourage them to report any road, tree, or drainage issues on council-managed land to our customer service team,” Mr Casey said.
For assistance, contact the Council’s customer service team at 1300 787 624 or report issues online at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/report.
Puffing Billy Railway acting chief executive officer Stefanie Straub said the decision was tough, particularly as September typically brings more favourable weather, but this was necessary given the unexpected storms and severe weather.
“The precinct reopened on September 7 after thorough assessment and hazard removal. We will continue to work alongside Cardinia Shire Council to monitor conditions and maintain safety for everyone,” Ms Straub said.
“We appreciate the understanding and patience of our visitors and Puffing Billy Running Festival registrants during this time and look forward to bringing this iconic running event to the region next month.”
“Registrations are still open and the previously sold-out 13.5km ‘Classic’ and 21.1km Half Marathon race options now have new capacity for those who missed out the first time around, head over to puffingbillyrunningfestival.com.au/ to secure your spot in the race.”
Due to unsafe conditions and the need to assess risks to participants and volunteers, as well as impacts on train operations, Puffing Billy Railway and SingleTrack Events have decided to postpone the festival.
Existing participants will be automatically transferred to the new event dates or can request a refund if they cannot attend.
For more information, visit puffingbillyrunningfestival.com.au.
For the latest updates and additional information, visit the festival’s official website or social media pages.
