Marrickville Pass Live Music Motion To Fight 'Wowsers'

Marrickville Council last night agreed to investigate the development of a Live Music Precinct in Sydney's inner west, with a Greens Councillor adding sectors of the Sydney inner West suburb to the initial Parramatta Road proposal.

The initial motion brought forward by Labor Councillor Jo Haylen included a discussion on the Leichhardt Council's Live Music Precinct plan while Greens' Melissa Brooks moved to add “other suitable areas of the Marrickville LGA” to the motion. The motion was carried unanimously at last night's meeting, which featured Sounds Australia's Ianto Ware and local venue representatives as speakers.

The council has now resolved to work with neighbouring Leichhardt council in the development of pro-music policies that would result in the Live Music Precinct. That includes a new live music development control plan, which could gift venues leniency over trading hours and noise allowances.

Specifically for Marrickville the council will, “work with individuals and collectives using warehouse spaces in Marrickville as creative spaces on how to acquire the appropriate approvals.”

Today Councillor Haylen told theMusic.com.au that she was glad the amendment could be added on the floor during the meeting. “The whole essence of what we're trying to do here is get rid of some of the fun police stuff," she said. "The local artists lose when the wowsers win.”

Councillor Brooks admitted that “There was a bit more caution from some of the Councillors… there are some who are more conservative about the warehouse spaces, they're more concerned with the 'pub rock' scene.”

She said she was 'hopeful' that a balance could be found between venues and 'illegitimate' warehouse spaces and claimed, “The real tension is between venues that are really driving to make a profit and artist-run venues that are focused on the music.”

Brooks wanted acknowledge the venues ability to manage themselves and added sometimes the red tape can be “too careful” at times.

Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne has previously told theMusic he wants the development control plan and Live Music Precinct developed by the end of the year.