The strategy has been developed as part of the council’s vision for a night time economy across the Newcastle local government area, and in response to the decline of live music venues across the city.

The strategy outlines an action plan that will “contribute to the sustainable growth of live music in Newcastle.” 

The action plan focuses on four themes: legislation, incubation, promotion and attraction. 

Much of the plan calls on the State Government to address legislative matters which impact on local councils’ capacity to protect live music.

In particular, it highlights issues relating to land use conflicts, such as noise complaints from communities located near existing live music venues. 

“The current multi-agency approach to noise management in NSW is not delivering consistent outcomes in terms of planning and/or conflict resolution,” the strategy states. 

It calls on the State Government to develop consistent guidelines for regulatory functions in relation to noise, and to develop a strategy that focuses on the music and arts economy. 

It also recommends the State Government lobby relevant Australian government agencies to facilitate improvements to legislation, such as the National Construction Code, so that standards for acoustic performance in building materials are given consideration in future amendments to the code. 

The draft strategy identified transport as a barrier to participation in the night time economy.  

“It is evident that existing transport modes and routes to suburbs are not meeting the needs of those wishing to enjoy live music in the city centre and/or night time precincts,” the strategy said. 

The strategy recommended that the State government examines transport alternatives with Keolis Downer and/or other transport providers to deliver customer focused timetabling allied with emerging technologies such as online communication, payment and ride share platforms.

At a local level, the plan commits council resources to the all-ages music scene. 

“A process is to be developed to make available council owned venues like the Civic Playhouse and City Hall Banquet Room ... for all-ages gigs,” the strategy states. 

The strategy also commits to integrate live music into destination marketing for Newcastle, as well as the development of an online portal to engage the local music sector. 

Public comment is open until February 25.