New Laws Will Protect Melbourne Music Venues From Their Neighbours

In one of the most significant wins for the Victorian music scene in years, live music venues are about to get the protection they deserve from their neighbours. After long, (in some cases fatal) setbacks for venues, the Victorian Government is going to implement the Agent of Change policy, which will protect venues from the noise complaints and residential development issues that have seen many a beloved spot closed down (even if for a spell, like The Tote).

The glorious news comes amongst a swag of new legislative reforms implemented by Victorian Planning minister Matthew Guy this week, as reported by The Age. Minister Guy noted the changes will protect venues from newly-moved-in neighbourly complaints on constantly targeted venues, instead putting responsibility in the hands of these newbies and their property developers to front the cash for soundproofing. Genius.

Under the new rules, if you're living within 50 metres of a live music venue in Melbourne, you or your landlord will be responsible for reducing the severity of the noise, not the venue. That again, not the venue. And because the State Government are being total legends, they're putting $500,000 funding toward helping older joints (especially heritage-listed venues) make their set-up that little bit more soundproof. The team at Cherry Bar must be simultaneously stoked and facepalming, after they managed to pull together a whopping crowdfunded $50,000 to cover the soundproofing at their threatened alleyway venue.

"This means beloved pubs and clubs that are home to live music in Victoria will not be forced to close due to noise complaints from those in new apartment buildings or new houses next door," said Guy.

"This is by far and away the strongest planning regulatory reform in Australia that protects existing live music venues."

Apart from the funding and the diversion of responsibility, there's still a best bit. Noise complaints from neighbours can't actually force a venue to close. BAM. Can't do it. Smaller venues (under 500 square feet) who have to wear the same restrictions as the big guns will be covered too, with a few new amendments in the works.

Via The Age, Tone Deaf and Pedestrian. Image via The Prince Bandroom.