Regional Live Music Worth $276.2 Million To Victorian Economy

The regional live music scene is worth $276.2 million to the annual Victorian economy, with 37 percent of regional venues saying that they'd had more punters come to see live music in the past 12 months.

The figures come from a new report commissioned by Music Victoria which also made a number of recommendations to increase the viability of regional venues.

As well as councils developing their own regional-specific music actions plans, based on the model of Wollongong, New South Wales', the report suggested a relaxing of liquor licensing fees, hosting live music workshops, improved transport at night and the establishment of a regional live music office to carry out a Regional Live Music Plan.

“The report demonstrates the value of live music activity to the regional economy and its importance in job creation,” said report author and Country Music Association Of Australia President Dobe Newton.

“Nevertheless, a significant number of operators are increasingly impacted by the regulatory system – just as are their counterparts in metro venues. A coordinated effort involving a wide range of stakeholders including regional artists and venues, industry and local government will help to ensure long-term health and growth.”

The report, compiled in collaboration with NMIT, RMIT, Box Hill Institute, Victoria University and JMC Academy, has been released in Ballarat today – the final day of Music Victoria's membership drive. With Government funding for the state's peak contemporary music body dwindling Music Victoria is looking to generate a platform of self-sustainability.

“Regional Victoria has a remarkable musical history, but the tyranny of distance, a lack of resources and the affordability of interstate air travel have conspired against it in recent years,” said Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan.

VICTORIA'S REGIONAL MUSIC BY THE NUMBERS

- There are 197 venues providing an average of 2.5 live music gigs per week
- Based on 50-week year, 2,854,5000 patrons go to regional venues annually (not including 1,000,000 estimated regional festival audience)
- Live music performances create 1,000 full time jobs in regional Victoria
- Solo artists and duos are utilised by 87 percent of venues, original bands 65 percent and cover bands 57 percent
- 37 percent of venues said patronage was up compared to 12 months ago (17 percent said patronage down, 46 percent no change
- Local press (81 percent), word of mouth (74 percent) and posters (65 percent) key promotional tools still (89 percent have adopted social media)

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

- Creation of regional touring circuit
- Open communication between government, regulators, venue operators
- Address regulatory issues hindering all age shows

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE