Good Music Neighbours funds 21 more Victorian music venues to soundproof themselves

The Victorian government has handed out over $250,000 to help music venues across the state soundproof.

It is part of the Good Music Neighbours program, one of the initiatives of its $22 million Music Works package which aims to strengthen the state’s contemporary music industry at all levels.

It encourages more venues to host live music by helping them in a number of ways.

These range from the installation of acoustic panelling, state of the art insulation or double glazing, to engaging a specialist acoustic assessor.

Since its launch in 2016 Good Music Neighbours has provided $780,000 to support 82 venues to undertake sound management projects.

Some like the Cactus Studio (Thornbury) and The Stables (Sale), were helped to move into live music programming.

Music Victoria’s latest Live Music Census revealed that Melbourne is home to more live music venues per person than any other city in the world.

Last year, Victorian music venues hosted more than 73,000 gigs, about 20% more than five years ago.

The next round of Good Music Neighbours opens on 7 February 2019.

The 21 grants  recipients in the latest round were:

Boutique, PRAHRAN, $7,000 – To work with an acoustic engineer to minimise the impact of sound on neighbours.

Hotel Esplanade, ST KILDA, $25,000 – To acoustically upgrade the iconic Gershwin Room.

The Jazzlab, BRUNSWICK, $25,000 – To undertake acoustic works to reduce noise emanating from the venue.

Axedale Tavern, AXEDALE, $25,000 – To install double-glazed windows, doors and insulation for their purpose-built function centre which will enhance live music options for the township and surrounding areas.

Hotel Brighton, BRIGHTON, $3,000 – To get an acoustic assessment of the venue.

Red Betty, BRUNSWICK, $2,378 – To commission an acoustic report to better understand sound management at the venue and build their capacity to deliver live music events.

Nighthawks, COLLINGWOOD, $15,000 – To implement sound attenuation measures to their live music entertainment area.

Newmarket Hotel, ST KILDA, $5,200 – To complete a sound assessment and implement sound limiting measures to control the live music sound levels that emanate from the hotel into the surrounding area.

Elwood Food and Wine Bar Pty Ltd, ELWOOD, $25,000 – To install soundproof glazing and complete various sound management works.

The Gem Bar and Dining, COLLINGWOOD, $8,816 – To implement sound attenuation measures and upgrade equipment to control sound emanating from the venue.

KaDo Warehouse, CREMORNE, $4,834 – To install noise absorption acoustic panels and curtains to increase their capacity for presenting live music.

Soundpark, NORTHCOTE, $13,995 – To construct a sound lock and apply a sound treatment to the walls to reduce sound emanating from the venue.

Tramway Hotel, FITZROY NORTH, $10,585 – To undertake the second stage of soundproofing works including double glazing all windows, replacing the main and side entry doors, and installing sound baffles on the ceiling and in the rear courtyard.

Karova Lounge, BALLARAT CENTRAL, $15,036 – To implement acoustic improvements as recommended by acoustic assessment consultants.

Circus Bar, SOUTH YARRA, $6,061 – To incorporate wall and ceiling insulation to reduce sound emissions.

The Brunswick Hotel, BRUNSWICK, $5,000 – To follow through acoustic assessment recommendations to rebuild the band room in line with SEPP N-2 compliance.

MusicLand, FAWKNER, $25,000 – To control external music noise emissions by increasing the mass of the ceiling.

Station 59, RICHMOND, $5,000 – To engage an acoustic assessor and implement sound attenuation measures.

Whole Lotta Love, BRUNSWICK EAST, $2,342 – To improve sound attenuation via installing acoustic panelling and other measures.

The Bridge Hotel, CASTLEMAINE, $8,083 – To reduce the sound level escaping from the band room and undertake a sound assessment to confidently host more live music events in the future.

The Eastern, BALLARAT EAST, $13,225 – To undertake sound management measures including upgrading the band room ceiling, constructing an acoustic wall and upgrading windows and roofing.