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Live Performance Australia (LPA) has welcomed the financial support package for music festivals announced by the New South Wales Government in conjunction with its review of festival regulations.
The state government reviewed the Music Festivals Act, and determined that the established regulatory framework could benefit from a closer examination of harm reduction, industry sustainability and bringing costs for festival operators in NSW in line with other states.
Music festivals across the state will now receive two years of emergency funding assistance, which will begin with an initial allocation of A$3m (£1.5m/€1.8m/$2m). Additionally, the state government also said it plans to introduce amendments to the Music Festivals Act to Parliament.
The announcement follows the establishment of the two-year Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund, which aims to improve short-term viability for festival operators.
Australia’s festival scene has been struggling, and this year alone has witnessed major festivals such as Groovin’ the Moo, Splendour in the Grass and Spilt Milk cancelled.
Live Performance Australia’s chief executive Evelyn Richardson said: “Music festivals are major drivers of employment and economic activity across the live music industry as well as tourism, hospitality, transport and event management services, particularly in regional areas.
“Festivals are currently dealing with a range of financial and operating challenges, some of which are short term or transitional in their nature.”
Richardson added: “The government’s proposed support package to be delivered by Sound NSW should provide the right level of support for our major festivals to help them navigate through some of the current challenges and get back onto a sound footing for the future.”
The LPA boss also acknowledged that particular changes needed to be made around policing charges.
“One of the biggest cost imposts which is within the control of the NSW Government are the user pays policing charges which are disproportionate to other states and territories. It’s not yet clear how the proposed changes will bring about real change in this area,” said Richardson.
However, the organiser of Bluesfest, which is set to be held for the final time next year and will close due to rising costs, said that the funding is not enough.
Bluesfest founder Peter Noble told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation: “The music industry is on its knees, I say thank you to anything for our industry, but that’s not the sort of investment we need.”
The state of Victoria has also announced support for live music, with an additional focus on local musicians and venues.
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