Search for live music compromise

A gathering of 50 musicians, venue operators, musical agents and liquor licensing representatives was held recently, focusing on the future of the live music industry on the Sunshine Coast.

Noise levels have created friction on the Coast, between the rights of those who have paid large amounts for their properties and want their values maintained, and those who are trying to advance its tourism credentials by offering a reasonable range of entertainment.

It's a problem that economic development councillor Lew Brennan is very conscious of, as the council seeks to establish entertainment precincts in the new town plan.

Cr Brennan hopes a balanced partnership between venue operators and residents can be achieved in the precincts, two of which are likely to be Noosa Junction and Mooloolaba.

Noosa Chamber of Commerce president Martin Bushell said an entertainment precinct would be a “good thing for the Junction and would set it apart from other areas”.

“If done correctly it would add to the atmosphere.” he said.

Musicians' spokesman Harii Bandhu said after the meeting the consensus was that under current state licensing legislation, achieving a sustainable live music industry on the Coast was impossible with restrictions on noise levels.

“If it's to grow, the council needs to emulate the amended state legislation (for Fortitude Valley) – which it can do now – to allow precincts, as long as it (monitors) them itself,” he said.

But another factor was emphasised by licensing staff, which underlined the importance of venue operators taking their share of responsibility.

“One of the biggest problems is in the design of buildings or their refurbishment,” Brisbane licensing principal officer Michael Gifford said. “Music is an after-thought for many operators.”

Mr Gifford said one-third of complaints received by the department were related to noise.