The campaign to save live music in Sydney came to New South Wales Parliament today when Hoodoo Gurus frontman Dave Faulkner joined Shadow Planning Minister Luke Foley and Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne to put forward a plan to end the prosecution of live music venues.
Under the proposed legislation, the Good Neighbour policy pioneered by Leichhardt Council will become mandatory for all NSW Councils.
Mr Foley said the Good Neighbour policy was a great initiative that ought to be supported by the O’Farrell Government.
“For too long live music venues in our city have been shut down by local councils acting like the fun police.
“The Good Neighbour policy is the first step towards reviving Sydney’s live music scene.
“I’d like to see all councils collaborating with local residents and the music industry to resolve any complaints, not forcing venues into the courts and shutting them down.”
Strong support from the music industry has led Hoodoo Gurus frontman Dave Faulkner to join Councillor Byrne in calling for the legislation.
Cr Byrne said that in recent months the ‘reign of the wowsers’ at Leichhardt Council had come to an end.
“But if we are to really save the live music scene in Sydney and NSW all councils need to come on board.
“The immense groundswell of support for live music that Council has harnessed in recent months must continue to build until our whole city is once again a live music hub”.
