With the WA state election set to go ahead this weekend, the Labor government have announced plans to facilitate micro-festivals and increase funding for live music and venues if they win.
Labor leader Mark McGowan says that supporting existing venues and allowing music events to go ahead across the state will create more hospitality, tourism and arts jobs.
Under the policy, it will be easier for venues to activate remote off-premise bars, such as laneways, streets, parks and other open spaces to engage in festival activity.
The initiative would also see the Liquor Control Act amended to add a a new public interest assessment category, allowing for a venue's tourism and community benefits to be considered in license applications.
WA Labor have also outlined plans to create the $3 million Creative Music Fund, which would help create relationships for musicians between the local industry and national/international industry, as well as more support for live music venues by streamlining approval processes for live performances.
"As Premier, I will build on the success of the small bar reforms and make Western Australia an even more exciting and vibrant place to live," McGowan said.
"We will facilitate micro-festivals across the state by cutting red tape for established hotels, taverns, small bars, arts and culture venues.
"This will create a level playing field on licence arrangements and gives the support existing venues need to grow their business and employ more Western Australians. Every week, thousands of Western Australians attend events across the state, pumping money into our economy and generating jobs.
"By providing additional support to the arts and creative industries sector in targeted areas, the industry can continue to expand, helping grow our economy."
