Vic Government Launches 'Good Music Neighbours' Venue Soundproofing Grants

The Victorian state government has opened applications for a range of grants, worth up to $25,000 each, to enable local live music venues to better control their sound emissions and maintain strong relationships with neighbouring businesses and residences.

Announced today as part of Labor's $22 million Music Works initiative, the grants — the sum of which must be matched by venue operators — cover a range of soundproofing and sound management strategies, including seeking advice from acoustic consultants or sound technicians as well as developing new designs and soundproofing measures (e.g. installing specialist acoustic treatments).

"Victoria loves live music," creative industries minister Martin Foley said in a statement of the commitment to the program. "We host three times more live performances than the national average and Melbourne has more live music venues than any other city in the country, making us the undisputed live music capital.

"Our Music Works package takes a holistic approach to the sector, with programs to support music makers, music industry workers and organisations and, now, venues."

Developed by Creative Victoria in partnership with Music Victoria and the Live Music Office, the Good Music Neighbours  program will take annual applications from local venues that are able to demonstrate, firstly, their commitment to staging live music performances and, secondly, the pressing need for such works to be undertaken at the premises.

"Even small design changes can make a big difference to how we experience sound," planning minister Richard Wynne said. "The Good Music Neighbours program will ensure that venues maintain positive relationships with their neighbouring businesses and residents."

Additionally, said Music Victoria chairman Tim Northeast, the program "will provide tangible support to venue operators and will facilitate better outcomes for residents who live near these types of venues".

"It will help keep venues sustainable as they face increasing pressure from gentrification, and more venues means more opportunities for musicians and performers," he said.

Applications for this year's Good Music Neighbours program are open now, and will close at 5pm on Monday 13 July. Full details, including resources, case studies and other information, are available at Music Victoria's website.