Today the ACT Greens have launched their plan to support musicians and rebuild the live music scene in Canberra by enjoying a set from local band 'Matriarch' at Smith's Alternative.
"Canberra has a dynamic and diverse local music scene. We have some great artists, excellent venues and dedicated fans," said Jo Clay, re-contesting MLA for Ginninderra.
"But the impacts of COVID on both artists and venues combined with the pitiful revenue they get through streaming services mean local musicians can't even afford to live here, let alone play here.
"Our venues are struggling too - it's hard to sell tickets and drinks, and many are struggling to pay rising insurance costs. We saw a particular example of the struggling industry with Groovin' The Moo cancelled this year - but smaller venues are struggling every day.
"The ACT Greens have a plan to support the industry - big and small - to ensure that live music lives on in Canberra.
"The first step is to get entertainment precincts right, and create more of them.
"The ACT Greens have been echoing calls from the industry for more than a decade to establish entertainment precincts in dedicated locations across Canberra. In 2023 the ACT Government finally established two precincts, in Civic and Gungahlin.
"But we need to get the settings for these precincts right in order for artists and local residents to live in harmony.
"The ACT Greens plan will establish entertainment precincts in Belconnen, Molonglo, Woden, Tuggeranong and at EPIC. These precincts will be subject to specific building quality standards and sound proofing measures to ensure residents or businesses aren't exposed to unreasonable or unexpected levels of noise and artists have lots of great locations to perform.
"We also need to ensure these precincts are set up to be vibrant, attractive places for people to go to - that means good public transport, late-night food and hospitality options, good lighting and an atmosphere that brings the area to life.
The ACT Greens plan also includes a plan to address skyrocketing public liability insurance and the appointment of an Industry Development Officer to support artists to professionalise in their field.
"We all want Canberra to be a fun, dynamic city to live in and having a diverse range of entertainment for everyone to enjoy is a key part of that. The ACT Greens are committed to supporting artists and businesses to ensure our live music scene not only lives on, but thrives into the future," said Ms Clay.
Greens candidate for Murrumbidgee Harini Rangarajan, who is also a musician, outlined how this initiative will activate Canberra's live music scene.
"Friends of mine who live outside of Canberra are always talking about how Canberra has 'no culture', but we do. We have some of the most talented musicians in Australia right now who are left to play in a handful of Canberra's remaining live music venues.
"This initiative invests in creating entertainment precincts so that our musicians can thrive and have a platform within Canberra so they get the recognition they deserve.
