Another music festival canceled as government seeks expert help

“If I was a tourism operator you wouldn’t need more events in peak season, you probably wouldn’t need more events where people spend most of their day in the precinct of a festival, as opposed to what is unique and exciting in the sector. city ​​itself,” Stewart said.

“There is money being pumped into the region, but is it money coming back to businesses in Caloundra all year round? Or is it money that is largely spent on the event itself?

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Natoli said the event generated money in the local economy “but for our council there was a big risk that if we failed to sell enough tickets and with the cost of living crisis that everyone is facing, we didn’t know what the cost would be. blow on it, for our community.”

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the festival contributed more than $2 million a year to the Sunshine Coast. It has hosted artists including Baker Boy, Ben Lee, The Cat Empire, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins and the Waifs.

Local music alternatives remain in Caloundra, including the Big Pineapple Music Festival in October and the council’s 10-day multi-arts Horizon festival in May next year, but a cloud remains over larger events across the ‘Australia.

Already this year, Splendor in the Grass, Groovin the Moo and Falls Festival have canceled events, prompting a federal parliamentary committee to announce an investigation into the live music sector.

Popular Brisbane independent venue The Zoo is also closing its doors this month, and other operators have expressed concerns for the future. Mayor Adrian Schrinner partly blamed the regulatory burden for pressure on Brisbane venues.

QMusic told the inquiry that governments should help build and support music districts and fund long-standing music venues and touring circuits. He helped reduce costs in the sector, notably through insurance subsidies and the possible introduction of music passes, cultural credits and vouchers to attract a wider and loyal audience.