With so much talk about the Sydney and Melbourne liquor licensing laws, don’t forget live music is also at threat in the capital. Don’t miss your chance to voice your opinion.

Currently the ACT Government is conducting an inquiry into Live Community Events in Canberra. The inquiry is currently taking submissions from the Canberra community to consider for incorporation into the recommendations they will give the Government in June.

We are all aware of the recent issues with live music in the city with Transit Bar’s live events being affected by complaints from The Waldorf apartments.

According to Andrew Mottram, creator of the Facebook group, I Want to Help Canberra’s Music Scene!, the manager of The Waldorf recently issued this ‘battle-cry’ to his tenants:

“I am suggesting that ALL WALDORF APARTMENT owners send a submission to the interdepartmental committee (web site link below) and also send an email the local ACT representative emails below. I am reasonably confident that the collective voice of Waldorf owners will have a far greater impact on these people than if they have to listen to me!!! Remember if no action is undertaken by (YOU) the owners, it will be difficult to come back later to complain about the noise pollution that WILL BE POSSIBLY PERMITTED by the government.”

Make sure your voice is also heard on live community events in Canberra. At FasterLouder we believe the social value of live music events, whether at Transit Bar, University of Canberra, Tuggeranong Youth Centre or the Canberra Theatre, outweighs the potential noise issues for residents living close to these venues. It’s a very important part of the social fabric of this city.

Make sure the ACT Government knows how important live music venues in the capital are.

“The legislation that comes out of this inquiry may last for ten years or more – think about all of the venues that could be sitting next to a new apartment block in 2019. Lot 33? Knightsbridge? If our preexisting venues are not protected by law, and developers aren’t forced to install adequate soundproofing at the construction stage, noise complaints will continue to plague Canberran venues. And without taking part, we may end up in a situation similar to what Melbourne’s seen in recent times – legislation passed that is like a wrecking ball to much-loved venues”, says Andrew Mottram.

The details on making a submission can be found here.

Submissions to the inquiry can be lodged with the Committee Secretary, Ms Nicola Derigo, by email at committees@act.gov.au. Submissions should include your full name, postal address and telephone number. Don’t worry, they won’t put your contact details up on the net for everyone to see.

Submissions are easy to make. They don’t need to be long or technical. You can see the ones which have already been lodged at this address.

If you’re not sure what to write in your submission that’s okay – you can make any recommendation you feel is worthy of consideration, or if you like, have a read of some other submissions to see what others have suggested. Talk about what the live music community means to you and your friends.

The closing date for submissions hasn’t been decided upon yet, but it’s likely to be mid-April so that everything can be considered for the final report to the government in June.

As Editor, I am making my submission, make sure you make yours too.