NSW Government sets the stage for the revival of live music

by ISABELLA GIBBS

The New South Wales government is setting the stage for a vibrant revival of live music and entertainment in an attempt to revamp the city’s cultural scene.

Deputy Premier Prue Car, alongside Ministers for Music and the Night-time Economy, Planning, and Public Spaces, revealed a series of reforms aimed at invigorating the nightlife, embracing local entertainment zones, and supporting live music venues.

The central goal of these reforms is to simplify regulations and empower entertainment venues, particularly those hosting live music, to extend their trading hours.

This move comes in response to concerns about the over-regulation that has stifled Sydney’s nightlife, leaving many venues struggling to survive.

The government has declared their commitment to removing the bureaucratic hurdles that control live music venues.

The deputy premier said,”The vibrancy package is a whole-of-government priority and we expect to deliver the initial reforms ahead of summer so that venues have the chance to respond and communities, including those in western Sydney, will have more options for music and live entertainment.

“Western Sydney has a multitude of thriving and varied night-life cultures, from areas like Lakemba, which has recently been recognised with a Purple Flag accreditation, to Parramatta, where the Parramatta Lanes festival is showcasing the best in music and food. This package will give businesses the certainty they need to open and continue to entertain Western Sydney residents and visitors.”

Among the reforms is a substantial change in noise complaint regulations. Currently, there are seven agencies responsible for handling noise complaints, leading to unnecessary complexity. The government intends to streamline this process by appointing Liquor and Gaming NSW as the lead agency for managing noise complaints against licensed venues.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said, “If you speak to any venue, they’ll tell you the regulatory frameworks for sound management and liquor licensing are incredibly confusing and complex and prevent them from trading at their full potential.”

“Our reforms slash red tape and streamline processes so businesses can focus on what’s important – delivering a great experience for their customers. The number, viability and growth of venues and entertainment and performance spaces has been unduly reduced and restricted by planning, licensing and noise regulatory frameworks that are duplicative, outdated and complex. It’s time to change that,” said Mr Harris.

An important aspect of the reforms is an emphasis on outdoor entertainment. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that Sydney has the potential to excel in alfresco entertainment. To harness this potential, the government plans to permanently relax rules for outdoor dining. This will enable venues to maximise their outdoor spaces with a simplified application process. Additionally, councils will be encouraged to facilitate pop-up events and festivals, including street closures and global pre-approvals for event sites.

In a move that underlines the government’s commitment to the night-time economy, the role of the 24-hour economy commissioner will be expanded to cover Newcastle, Wollongong, and the Central Coast. This marks a significant step towards ensuring a thriving night-time economy across New South Wales.

Jake Campbell, underground festival fanatic, shared his appreciation for the changes, saying, “The festival scene took a hit during Covid, with many events postponed or cancelled. It’s been a tough time for music lovers. But these reforms give us hope. It shows the government is finally recognising the importance of music and entertainment in our culture.”

Another frequent festival-goer, Brody Acker said, “During the pandemic, the festival scene went silent, and it was tough for people like me. But it’s reassuring to see these reforms aimed at simplifying the rules and supporting [venues]. It’s about time we see some positive changes.”

The coming months will reveal the true impact of these reforms, shaping the future of Sydney’s music and entertainment scene for years to come. This sense of anticipation highlights the significance of these changes for both artists and audiences alike.