Key Takeaways
- The City of Yarra is introducing new planning changes to prioritize live-music venues and protect them from noise complaints and rising costs.
- The changes will create designated live-music precincts, where venues will be protected from noise restrictions and residential development.
- The council is also proposing an extended tram line, dubbed the "Revs Express", to connect nightlife areas in the inner-north and inner-south.
- The Victorian government has committed to developing new planning rules to protect live-music precincts, but the City of Yarra’s proposal will be considered on its merits.
- The live-music industry is under pressure from rising rents, higher operating costs, and patrons with less cash to spend, making the council’s efforts crucial to its survival.
Introduction to the Issue
The City of Yarra is taking steps to protect its live-music venues from the pressures of gentrification and rising costs. The council is introducing new planning changes that will prioritize live-music venues and protect them from noise complaints and residential development. According to Councillor Stephen Jolly, the changes will signal to developers and new residents that the council values its music venues and will work to preserve them. Jolly notes that people who choose to live in the inner city should be aware that they are moving into a vibrant and lively area, and that live-music venues are a key part of that.
The Importance of Live-Music Venues
Live-music venues are a vital part of Melbourne’s cultural identity and economy. The City of Yarra is home to 77 small-to-medium live-music venues, which provide a platform for local musicians to perform and contribute to the city’s vibrant nightlife. However, the industry is under pressure from rising rents, higher operating costs, and patrons with less cash to spend. Many venues are struggling to obtain public liability insurance, with those able to secure insurance facing premium increases of up to 800 per cent. The council’s efforts to protect live-music venues are crucial to the industry’s survival, and have been welcomed by venue owners and industry representatives.
The Proposed Planning Changes
The proposed planning changes will create designated live-music precincts, where venues will be protected from noise restrictions and residential development. The changes will also provide formal recognition that live-music venues are a priority in their areas, and will serve as a reminder to developers and governments that these long-standing venues need protection. While some venue owners have welcomed the changes, others have expressed concerns that the amendment may not be enough to protect the industry. Shane Hilton, co-owner of The Tote Hotel, notes that the amendment may be a "paper tiger" and that the state government needs to take action to give it teeth.
The "Revs Express" Tram Line Proposal
In addition to the planning changes, the City of Yarra is also proposing an extended tram line to connect nightlife areas in the inner-north and inner-south. The proposed line, dubbed the "Revs Express", would run from Brunswick Street in Fitzroy to Chapel Street in Prahran, providing a direct north-south shuttle link that avoids the CBD. The proposal has been welcomed by venue owners and industry representatives, who note that good public transport options are vital to safe clubbing. The route would travel through both Port Phillip and Stonnington councils, which are expected to sign on to the advocacy push in the lead up to the state election.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The City of Yarra’s efforts to protect its live-music venues and improve public transport options are a positive step towards preserving Melbourne’s vibrant cultural identity. The proposed planning changes and tram line extension have the potential to make a significant impact on the industry, and have been welcomed by venue owners and industry representatives. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on the state government’s willingness to take action and provide support. As the Victorian government considers the City of Yarra’s proposal, it is clear that the future of Melbourne’s live-music scene hangs in the balance. With the right support and protection, the industry can continue to thrive and provide a platform for local musicians to perform and contribute to the city’s vibrant nightlife.
