Inclement Weather Policy

The Weather Committee shall consist of 3 nominated Festival Committee members (President, Secretary and 1 nominated committee member) who will determine the implementation of the policy and any relevant communication to the public.

In the event of catastrophic fire conditions forecast on the day of the pageant for the Mount Lofty Ranges the Mt Barker pageant will be cancelled.

Because fire dangers are only issued on the afternoon or evening of the day before the forecast catastrophic bushfire weather conditions, the committee will on the Friday prior to pageant day, attempt to advise participants by email, social media and make available on the website the weather policy with appropriate advise re the cancellation.

If the temperature is broadcast on the ABC to reach 40+celcius in Mt Barker on pageant day the pageant will not be able to proceed.

It is the responsibility of all participants to ensure they arrive at the starting point in attire relevant to the conditions of the day – ie have water, hat and sunscreen available with hot days and relevant warm jackets, hats and sunscreen on cool days.

The weather committee will also hold discussions, as required, to determine if it is safe for the pageant to continue in any excessive weather conditions – including extreme heat and fire danger days, extreme heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning. If the weather committee feels that any individual or group are at risk with any of the identified extreme weather conditions, the pageant will be cancelled.

If a pageant is cancelled, it is unlikely to be re scheduled due to the complex tasks of coordinating the support services including council and police assistance.