Far North Queensland, Live Music
Ms JAMES (Barron River—LNP) (9.11 pm): I rise to speak on an issue that is close to my heart and vital to the cultural, social and economic life of our region—the future of live music in Far North Queensland. Music has been a huge part of my life. I have been watching my dad perform on stage since I was a toddler, and by the time I was 14 years old I had got my first pay cheque after being a sax player and a vocalist in his band. Playing and singing at venues with my father and my husband over the last 30 years has been one of the highlights of my life. I know with absolute conviction that live music keeps the heart of a community beating. Nothing connects people faster than a live performance that makes you tap your feet, sing along and feel alive.
Unfortunately, the live music scene in Far North Queensland is dying, and if we do not act now it could be gone altogether. For years, live music venues in Cairns and across our region have been strangled by noise restrictions and regulations that make it almost impossible for them to operate sustainably. Venues that once thrived with local bands and touring artists now sit quiet, their stages empty and their sound systems unplugged. The simple truth is that the rules have gone too far. We have a 75-decibel noise limit—about the same as a passing car or a vacuum cleaner—and if a venue exceeds that, even briefly, they face complaints, fines and the real risk of losing their licence.
To make matters worse, they can be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on acoustic reports or soundproofing, only to still be targeted because the subjective term “unreasonable noise” allows complaints even when they are within legal limits. These rules are unfair, inconsistent and destroying livelihoods. Local musicians have told me of gigs being cancelled at the last minute because of fear of breaches. Venues have been forced to stop live acts altogether because the cost and risk are simply too great.
Live music is not just entertainment; it is an economic driver. It creates jobs, brings people together, and encourages locals and tourists alike to stay longer and spend more. The recent Savannah in the Round festival brought 32,000 people and 60 artists to our region on the weekend just gone. That is a perfect example of the benefits live music brings. A decade ago, you could walk through the Cairns CBD and hear live music coming from every corner—The Jack, The Woolshed, Gilligan’s, Salt House, Yorkeys Knob Boaties, Trinity Beach Tavern, Palm Cove Surf Club, Edge Hill Tavern—the list goes on. Now, too many of those stages have fallen silent.
I have been working with venue owners, musicians and the broader community to fight for change. A petition calling for fairer rules for live music in Far North Queensland has gathered more than 500 signatures and growing support. I have met with the Attorney-General, the minister for tourism, Minister O’Connor, and the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation to push for reforms. I am also pleased to say that the newly appointed Night-Life Economy Commissioner, John Collins—who not only owns a live music venue but also happens to be the bass player from Powderfinger—has been receptive to hearing our concerns.
We need a sensible, balanced approach that protects residents while allowing our cultural heart to beat again. The Far North has produced some of Australia’s most talented artists, and it deserves a live music scene to match. To the musicians, venue owners and supporters who have shared their stories with me—thank you. I will keep fighting to make sure your voices are heard. Live music is more than sound; it is connection, culture and community. The day the music dies is not a lyric—it is a warning. Let us make sure it never comes true in Far North Queensland.
