- Queensland’s first Nightlife Economy Action Plan unveiled, delivering the State’s long-term roadmap to reinvigorate nightlife for 2032 and beyond.
- Red tape reductions, a new special event trading framework and practical support to help venues and hospitality businesses thrive.
- More vibrant entertainment precincts, incentives for more live music at grassroots venues and new opportunities for local artists and businesses across Queensland.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy, with a revitalised nightlife, as Queensland prepares to welcome the world for 2032 and beyond.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering Queensland’s first Nightlife Economy Action Plan with a clear vision to grow safer, more vibrant entertainment precincts, support local venues and artists, and strengthen the State’s reputation as Australia’s lifestyle and events capital ahead of the 2032 Games.
The Action Plan has been informed by Night-Life Economy Commissioner John ‘JC’ Collins AM’s Moonside Report.
The former Labor Government spent a decade stifling Queensland’s nightlife economy with fewer opportunities for artists and more barriers for venues that keep our communities alive after dark.
Key initiatives include:
- Introducing a new special event trading framework to help local venues better share in the economic opportunities generated by events like the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Rugby World Cup and State of Origin after the successful, safe Socceroos trial.
- Modernising the entertainment sound framework, including reviewing default sound limits, measurement approaches and supporting existing venues.
- Strengthening services within Safe Night Precincts, including considering additional safety initiatives, such as mobile phone charging stations.
- Removing unnecessary red tape for venues and modernising conditions for extended trading hours.
- Creating more vibrant entertainment precincts through improved activations and practical safety initiatives, including a new Nightlife Precinct Activation Program to encourage people to stay longer, support local businesses and enjoy Queensland after dark.
- Creating more opportunities for Queensland musicians by helping local artists share the stage with major touring acts through discounted booking fees at State-owned venues, creating stronger pathways from grassroots venues to bigger stages, and considering reduced liquor licence fees for grassroots venues that support live music.
- Helping more Queensland artists perform across the State, by expanding Queensland on Tour to bring more live music to regional communities while supporting local tourism, hospitality and regional economies.
The Action Plan sets out practical reforms that will make it easier for venues and events to thrive while supporting live music, local businesses and vibrant communities across Queensland, after under the former Labor Government, too many venues were forced to close as crippling costs and complexity were constantly added.
The Crisafulli Government will deliver the Action Plan in partnership with industry, local government and communities, while retaining the existing Safe Night Precinct framework, including ID scanning requirements, helping create a stronger, safer and more vibrant nightlife economy across Queensland.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Crisafulli Government was backing the hospitality sector by slashing unnecessary red tape that held businesses back for too long under Labor.
“A great night out starts with great venues, and we’re making it easier for them to do what they do best – showcase great food and drink, support live music and deliver the world-class hospitality experiences Queenslanders and visitors love,” the Attorney-General said.
“With Brisbane 2032 and a packed calendar of major events ahead, this Action Plan will ensure local venues and hospitality businesses are well positioned to leverage these opportunities, attract more visitors and maximise the economic benefits flowing into Queensland communities.”
Minister for Youth Sam O’Connor said the Crisafulli Government was delivering better services through a stronger nightlife economy.
“Queensland’s nightlife is about much more than a night out – it supports thousands of local jobs, creates opportunities for artists and small businesses, attracts visitors and helps build vibrant communities,” Minister O’Connor said.
“The Queensland Nightlife Economy Action Plan is our blueprint to unlock our State’s potential by supporting vibrant entertainment precincts, reducing unnecessary red tape and backing the venues, artists and businesses that bring our cities and regions to life.
“As we head towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we want Queensland to be recognised not only for world-class sporting venues, but also for world-class nightlife, entertainment and hospitality.”
Night-Life Economy Commissioner John ‘JC’ Collins AM said the Action Plan was an important first step in delivering on the vision set out within his Moonside Report, developed through consultation with the sector.
“I want to thank all the venue operators, artists, hospitality businesses, local councils and community members who generously shared their time and spoke honestly about the opportunities and challenges they face,” Mr Collins said.
“Also, a special thank you to my Nightlife Economy Advisory Panel who’ve provided advice, support and guidance throughout this process.
“I remain committed to my role as the conduit between industry and government and will continue to work on the key recommendations that didn’t get up at this time.
“No report or action plan is going to deliver everything everyone wants on day one, but this is a start to the process and shows a genuine commitment to Queensland’s nightlife economy.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the Crisafulli Government and sector to build on these foundations in the years ahead and help realise the full potential of Queensland’s nightlife for everyone, everywhere.”
Industry representative Andrew Baturo welcomed the plan to drive more connection.
“Queensland’s greatest asset isn’t just its climate or its natural beauty – it’s also our people and our hospitality, said Mr Baturo.
“After all, hospitality and community are what turned settlements into towns and towns into bustling cities.
“And the world’s most memorable cities are defined by the experiences they create after dark, after the working day – where restaurants, bars, live music, arts and culture come together to build community, create jobs and to celebrate life’s great moments, Mr Barturo said.
“Queensland has the momentum, the talent and the opportunity to become one of those great destinations.
“Let’s get more connected.”
The Nightlife Economy Action Plan can be accessed here.
