West Australian Music (WAM), the peak body for contemporary music in WA, welcomes the Cook Labor Government’s new framework to support live and contemporary music within the new Night-Time Economy Strategy. Including:
- Enhancing requirements for local artist representation on international tours in WA to use the momentum of high-profile acts to bring greater exposure, income generation and audience development to local artists.
- Commitment to noise reform to protect live music venues from noise complaints with regulatory reform and a sound attenuation grant program.
- Focus on entertainment precincts including in regional cities to ensure live music venues across the State are supported and to assist with rebuilding WA’s live music regional touring circuit.
Quotes attributed to WAM CEO, Owen Whittle:
“This strategy gives support to both the local artists and live music venues that bedrock WA’s vibrant music scene, which produces some of the most impactful music in Australia and indeed globally.
“Without these reforms we risk the disappearance of our sector. Over the past decade two thirds of Perth’s music venues have either closed or stopped hosting regular live music. This strategy will help progress noise reform to protect venues from NIMBY complaints and will be complemented by a sound attenuation grant program, to help fix issues as they arise.
“Ensuring local artists are booked to support major international tours will create one-of-a-kind career opportunities. There is no denying the enormous benefit the chance to perform with high-profile international musicians will bring local artists and will help continue to grow our incredible music scene.
“Contemporary and live music is the largest form of the arts in WA, in terms of audience, economic impact and activity. This strategy and the previous investment the Live Music Support Package is vital to growing the music workforce and supporting our world class music scene.”
