Whilst Brisbane still has the only dedicated Special Entertainment Precinct, the management of issues between live music venues, live music events, music venues and residential interests continues to be discussed, negotiated and lobbied around, across Queensland.
Most large regional cities in Queensland have current and complex issues impacting on the security of live music venues, particularly Cairns and the Sunshine Coast.
Some of the ongoing issues across Queensland are
- Rental affordability – many live music venues in Queensland are operated in leased premises. Without the support and value of landlords, these venues are vulnerable to lease conditions and ongoing costs of maintenance and repairs to leased premises
- Regulatory costs that are prohibitive to many new and emerging live venue operators
- Perceptions of connection between violence, alcohol and music
- No distinction between live music and recorded music with noise curfews
- Ongoing gentrification of inner city areas across Queensland where traditional live music venues have operated
Fortitude Valley has a unique clustering of venues and entertainment operators, that made the Special Entertainment Precinct appropriate, whilst many areas across Australia want to borrow this model, the reality is that one size doesn’t fit all, and in fact one size doesn’t fit many.
Original and unique solutions are required across Queensland. That require many players to be brought around the one table.
This can only be achieved by a fundamental belief and valuing of the importance that live music has on the cultural, economic and social wellbeing of our communities.