New Live Music Venue for WA Announced as Part of Cook’s Election Commitments
Premier Hon. Roger Cook MLA outlined plans for a multi-use event space within the new Burswood Park entertainment precinct. Central to the development will be a 20,000-capacity outdoor music amphitheatre, designed to host large-scale concerts and events. The venue’s design has been compared to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne due to its similar size and function.
The new venue is expected to enhance the state’s live music infrastructure, set to be Perth’s biggest outdoor amphitheatre. The venue is part of a proposed $217.5 million Perth Street Circuit and entertainment precinct to be built at Burswood Park. In addition to concerts, the venue will be capable of hosting Motorsport events with the aim of the space being ready for the 2027 Supercars season.
Permanent grandstands and other upgrades to the park “will also be attractive for future events, reducing costs for live music promoters and touring acts to come to WA,” the Government said.
West Australian Music (WAM) acknowledge the Cook Labor Government’s election pledge to establish a new live music venue in Western Australia. WAM will be advocating to ensure new music venue has local content requirements for the WA music industry to get maximum benefit from the venue. This would require the use of local music production workforce and local support acts to increase employment and performance opportunities within the state’s music industry.
$50 vouchers to encourage young people aged five to 15 to attend cultural events
Cook has also announced a $2.5 million investment in a new voucher program to encourage WA kids and young people to attend cultural events and performances. The “Access All Areas Pass for kids” will be available for young West Australians aged five to 15 so they can attend a variety of arts, cultural and creative venues throughout the state.
Up to 120 participating venues and suppliers will provide access to a broad range of events, including live music.
“Our Access All Areas Pass will mean WA kids and young people can experience more of the fantastic live music, plays and performances our State has to offer.” Cook Said “Importantly, every dollar from this program will be spent on WA events, with organisations involved in our local arts, culture and events sector.”
RTRFM Infrastructure
WA Labor’s candidate for Mount Lawley, Frank Paolino, has pledged $75,000 to support RTRFM’s first studio upgrade since 2010.
The funding will go towards replacing two vital transmitters, ensuring RTRFM can maintain its high-quality, independent broadcasts.
“We are a community and volunteer powered not-for-profit organisation and broadcasting on the FM band is critical to our connection with the Perth community. This commitment, specifically to replace our aging transmitters, is particularly welcome. Such support allows us to continue to foster diverse and unique voices from the WA music and arts community.” RTRFM Chair Tim Fairbanks.
WA Music will continue advocating for further policy announcements to benefit music. If you see any new music or arts policy – please send it our way!
