Gold Coast council to support plan that will make the city a live music destination

The Gold Coast live music scene is set for growth after the Gold Coast council is set to endorse the Music Action Plan 2021 at its meeting tomorrow (November 13).

Earlier this month, the Council got a recommendation from its lifestyle and community committee to approve it.

Committee chair Cr Hermann Vorster said the plan would be a boon to the economy while helping home-grown acts to hone their craft and find commercial success.

“Live music is the lifeblood of a cosmopolitan economy and essential to any destination serious about showcasing its culture and identity,” he said.

“Our plan was developed in partnership with the industry so we know it will help address the underlying red tape and jurisdictional confusion acting as a handbrake on the cultural economy.

“Best of all, it invests in the future of Gold Coast artists so it will be aspiring locals who will have the first opportunity to upskill, perform and promote.”

According to an early draft seen by TMN, the adoption of the plan will see:

• A Music Advisory Group set up to give the industry a forum to champion its cause, “We want to see promoters, educators, artists and venues singing from the same song sheet so we can best build our reputation as a music city,” according to Vorster. “This will be a direct line to City officers and policy makers that will allow us to identify opportunities, mitigate risks and lift confidence across the sector.”
• Areas of the Southport Priority Development Area (PDA) will be identified as Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs). “The SEP provides approved live music venues the confidence to host gigs, and allows council to encourage a thriving live music scene in the CBD, whilst protecting residential amenity in suburban communities across the Gold Coast.” said Vorster.
• Industry and artist development and grants programs initiated.
• A move to have industrial spaces for creative enterprise hubs and for community halls and small halls for rehearsals and performance.
• The designations of official Music Bills Zones where posters advertising gigs can be set up in public areas.
• A scheme to encourage established music businesses to relocate to the Gold Coast.
• More music audience research by the city.
• A greater tie-up with tourism authorities.
• A reduction in red tape to lower regulatory barriers currently preventing growth in the live music scene.
• More encouragement for international acts to play the Gold Coast and collaborate with local musicians.
• Establish a south-east Queensland regional touring circuit in partnership with government and commercial partners, possibly helping with marketing and touring costs.
• A digital platform established with local venues to broadcast major Gold Cost gigs and develop their profile online.
• Sponsorship for the Gold Coast Music Awards and heighten the Gold Coast’s presence at BIGSOUND in Brisbane.