Vic Minister Vows To Save Melbourne Venues

Victoria's Minister For Planning Matthew Guy last night vowed to protect the state's live music venues following criticisms that his office was stonewalling progress.

The Minister told parliament the state Liberal Government will ensure the agent-of-change principle is implemented into negotiations with venues to protect them from noise and planning issues.

The agent-of-change principle deals with the rights of existing live music venues in regards to complaints from residents who have moved into the venue's vicinity and was a key point to emerge from the Live Music Roundtable discussions. The discussions between live music stakeholders, government and police were a result of the Melbourne SLAM Rally, and have resulted in outcomes such as the expansion of all ages gigs in the state.

However the agent-of-change principle has remained largely untouched, with the Ministry Of Planning the “biggest obstacle” according to a recent opinion piece on theMusic.com.au.

“After repeated attempts to involve Minister Guy, we've been stonewalled,” SLAM's co-founder Helen Marcou wrote.

During question time in parliament last night the Minister addressed the criticisms, indicating that he's met with the Minister For Liquor And Gaming Regulation, Edward O'Donohue about the issue.

“Mr O'Donohue and I met yesterday to discuss again the issue of the agent-of-change principle regarding live music venues in and around Melbourne,” he said. “Melbourne should be proud of its live music scene. We should be proud that this city has a live music scene that is a long way better than anywhere else in this country. This government has done more to protect that culture and that element of our city than any other government.”

Minister Guy added, “What Mr O'Donohue and I spoke about yesterday, and have spoken about in the past, is that we have been looking at ways to ensure that the agent-of-change principle plays an important role and at how it can be implemented best. Whether it is through a state amendment or a local planning scheme amendment, we will find a way.

“More to the point, we will find a way to give certainty to that industry and to that section of the population that enjoys what is one of Melbourne's greatest tourism and cultural assets. We will do this because no other government in Victoria has had the guts to do this. Whether it is at the Palace or other live music venues, Mr O'Donohue and I will do that work over the summer period and the coming weeks to ensure that live music remains one of Melbourne's greatest assets.”

The statement of intent will be music to the ears of Victorian live music stakeholders, but after years of talking they are eager for positive actions to follow.