Your elected local council make decisions on a lot more than just the roads, rates and parks, and one thing that gets our attention is their stance on live music.
Recently, Music Victoria surveyed around 2000 candidates across 79 Victorian electorates to connect potential councillors with music loving communities state wide. The survey gave candidates an opportunity to talk a little about music policy and strategies they may be aware of, or think would be a good idea, and their knowledge of any local issues affecting their local music community.
We’ve sifted through the survey responses to give you a little idea about who gives a damn about supporting initiatives that are good for the music industry.
When it comes to regional live music, the musicians are at the crux of it. Surf Coast Shire Council and Warrnambool City Council suggest that the biggest issues facing musicians is the availability of access to live music venues, while Ballarat City Council highlighted the biggest issues facing musicians includes distance from service and opportunities, also lack of suitable performance venues, reduction in professional music training and a lack of audience. Ballarat candidate Nick Shady says the biggest issue is being economically viable.
“It’s a tough occupation to be full time, the musicians I know play for free as it is their hobby. Unfortunately there are not many venues in Ballarat because the punters don’t value local musicians, and therefore have limited exposure to the local talent. It is an endless circle.”
Greater Bendigo City Council echoes this view, but in terms of the issues facing live music venues in their area, with candidate Colin Carrington suggesting these issues stem from the decline in hotel attendances.
“Few individual performers, groups or bands especially are unable to secure gigs with some degree of remuneration, that even covers their expenses in performing. Consequently there has been a decline in live entertainment at public places. Costs of hiring venues are mostly prohibitive to individuals and groups.”
Many other Bendigo candidates highlight the noise and licensing issues as been a major drawback for live music venues, while Peter Beales from Ararat Rural City Council says the biggest issue facing venues is attracting touring artists to the region.
“Several major artists play shows at Ballarat on their way to bigger shows in Melbourne and Adelaide, but if more could be encouraged to play here too, to would help to build live audiences in the region and in turn create opportunities for local performers.”
All surveyed candidates from these regional areas support the development of a music strategy and the increased use of council facilities and buildings for musicians to rehearse, record music and hold all ages events, with Warrnambool City Council candidate Jacinta Anderson claiming that “live music is a vital part of bringing people together for celebrating and just having fun.”
Vote smart this council election to help support live music.
Find out what other councillors said, including what initiatives they are currently undertaking, via this link http://www.musicvictoria.com.au/council-elections-2016
