Austin Inspires Gold Coast Action Plan

In a draft of a Live Music Action Plan 2017-2020 to its Economic Development and Major Projects committee, it observes that both cities are “university towns with a thriving youth (25-39) demographic that is a key audience for live music.”

The report draft noted that in 2014, “Austin’s music industry contributed $726 million to the city’s economy while music tourism contributed a further $1.1 billion.”

It attributes this to how 250 live music venues are allowed to thrive, and of a healthy relationship between city authorities and the live sector. To this end, Council suggests that a key priority is to spend A$20,000 ($15,900) for an audit to determine just how many venues there are on the Gold Coast. Another is to set up an independent regulatory task force to work with venues, council and the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation.

It will look at ways to cut red tape for venues, solve noise issues, and identify which regulations are discouraging investment in the live music sector. According to the draft report, “A thriving live music scene delivers multiple benefits including economic, reputation, tourism and social.”

The Gold Coast already supports the local music scene by funding music awards and skills developing programs, and promoting local talent around Australia. But what is generating this greater investment is that two free festivals it funds, Broadbeach Blues (166,000 attendance) and Broadbeach Country (30,000), pump in an extra A$28 million ($21.27 million) a year into its economy and drawn many visitors from outside the region.