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Maitreya organisers announce move to Byron Bay

1500km and 18 hours' drive north of this year's failed site

Organisers of Australia's failed Maitreya festival have announced a move to Byron Bay, New South Wales, for the 2017 event.

The proposed new Ancient Forest Eco Lodge site is more than 1500km and about 18 hours' drive from where the festival was supposed to be held at Lake Wooroonook near Charlton, Victoria, from March 10 to 13 this year.

"We can't wait to share with you what we weren't able to in 2016, and it's going to be incredible," the latest Facebook post reads.

"If you are an unrefunded ticket holder from the 2016 event, then entry to the 2017 event is on us!"

Many who had bought tickets to this year's cancelled 20th anniversary celebration, which organisers pulled the pin on one day before, citing bad weather, despite the local council denying the necessary permit, have not received their money back.

In September, organisers said the event might never take place again, before announcing their planned return earlier this month.

Unfortunately it doesn't look like the drought-affected community near this year's failed site who fought hard to save the festival will get to benefit from its revival.

Scott Carbines is Mixmag's Australian Digital Content Editor, follow him on Twitter