Page 2541 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 31 July 2019
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policy to strike this balance. The government protects venues from encroaching residential development and proactively funds programs for artists and venues through its multimillion-dollar music works package. This program calls for political buy-in from stakeholders to come together to achieve mutual benefits. Clearly, the plan is successful, as Melbourne is known for its fantastic live music scene. This plan has been described as a gold standard by interest groups and experts.
Canberra is well equipped to follow in the direction of Melbourne, to continue to grow our live music scene and cultural events. We must not follow in the footsteps of Sydney, which has effectively killed off large portions of the live music industry, reducing the cultural vibrancy of the city and negatively impacting tourism and business.
Our government is committed to encouraging and nurturing cultural programs in our city, and that includes live music. As well as the announcement made by Minister Gentleman today, the government has provided funding for a number of different arts programs that encourage live music in our city, including funding MusicACT to help grow the contemporary live music sector in our city.
I think this motion by Mr Parton is a timely one. This discussion has been going on for too long. I am glad that he has brought it forward at this time. It is always good to debate and reaffirm the commitment of every member of this place to live music. And hopefully this is a new starting point and not the end of the discussion.
MISS C BURCH (Kurrajong) (4.51) I rise to speak today in support of Mr Parton’s motion. A diverse and bustling nightlife and vibrant live music scene are crucial to a city’s culture and local economy, to tourism and to youth employment. Having bars, restaurants, clubs and live music venues open well into the evening is a key component of a young, vibrant and global city. This is something that many young Canberrans want to see in our city and something that we must strive to develop and foster.
However, our current nightlife is under threat if this government continues to fail to provide certainty around noise restrictions for these businesses. The current limit of 50 decibels, no louder than a passing truck, is far too low for many venues in our town centres and entertainment precincts to lawfully operate. We have already seen far too many small bars forced to shut their doors following noise complaints from a vocal minority of local residents, and many others forced to change their opening hours.
The construction of a hotel in Garema Place only raises further concern that the music and activity that flow out of our clubs and bars might soon be subject to a government crackdown. It would be devastating for the small business owners who work so hard to contribute to our economy. It would be devastating for the many hundreds of young Canberrans who work in our hospitality sector and who rely on this night-time work to fit around their uni schedules and other commitments. It would be devastating to up-and-coming musicians and performers who rely on these venues to launch their careers. It would be devastating to the other community groups for whom live events and festivals are the highlight of their calendar, bringing life to areas of our city and providing immense cultural value to our community.
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