The Final Report of the Standing Committee on Planning, Public Works and Territory and Municipal Services’ Inquiry into Live Community Events was released late last month, and Locality can confirm it’s really interesting stuff. But seeing as though it consists of 87 pages and 32 recommendations, I thought I’d dig up my favourites for you, the no doubt pressed for time judicious live music lover.
Recommendations 27 and 28 are by far the tastiest: “The Committee recommends that the ACT Government looks to provide reasonable-cost, appropriate, multi-purpose and accessible arts facilities.” And “The Committee recommends that the ACT Government investigate making existing facilities easier to access for live events.” Recommendation 27 went on to say “The Committee also believes the ACT Government could take a variety of measures to support live events venues to stay open in Canberra, and for new venues to open, including improved access to Government-owned facilities.”
In September last year a Review of the Arts in Canberra was launched by artsACT, and on August 12 the Final Report was released. Unsurprisingly its recommendations are synonymous with the Inquiry’s. The Review of the Arts in Canberra Report suggests “one of the more practical ways to support all artists (young, amateur, emerging, professional and community artists) is by providing or funding improved access to reasonable-cost, appropriate, multi-purpose and accessible arts facilities.”
Whacko! It appears both Reports are well and truly behind the save Canberra’s live music scene cause. Locality’s other favourite Inquiry recommendations include recommendations 25 and 26: ”The Committee recommends that the ACT Government investigate the viability of extending the ACTION Nightrider service year-round on Friday and Saturday nights.” And “The Committee recommends that the ACT Government consider reinstating taxi-rank supervisors on Friday and Saturday nights at prime locations (including Canberra City, busy Town centres, Manuka and Kingston) to facilitate smooth exit of patrons from the City to other town centres and home.”
Although the necessity of live music venues and late night public transport to a thriving Canberra scene was stressed, the initial motivation for the Inquiry was noise complaints, and naturally the vast majority of the recommendations reflect this. Locality’s favourites are 5 and 6: “The Committee recommends that the ACT Government undertake comprehensive noise monitoring and analysis […] over a suitable period of time to establish ambient noise levels in Canberra City and Town Centres.” And “The Committee recommends that the […] noise standards be amended to more realistically reflect the ambient and background noise levels in the City and Town Centre[…].”
Other excellent recommendations were made in regards to hearing damage and order of occupancy legislation, so for you keen beans we’ve put a link to the Final Report on the BMA Website.
