Marrickville Council Votes to Back Live Music

Last night's Marrickville Council meeting represented a victory for Sydney's independent music scene. A unanimous vote saw the passing of a motion stating the Council's intention to undertake research concerning the legal and financial pressures on live venues and to become involved with the Leichhardt Council's Sydney Live Music Precinct plan.

On March 26, Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne successfully persuaded his council to back a proposal to transform Parramatta Road’s inner west section into a bustling cultural hub. The following day, he told themusic.com.au that he would next seek the support of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Marrickville Mayor Victor Macri.

For now, he can safely count on the latter. The Council agreed, not only to "assist with the development of programs and policies that could support the proposed Parramatta Road initiative" but to expand its geographical scope. Marrickville's network of alternative warehouse spaces may soon become part of the big picture.

The government also recognised that increased consultation with independent artists might lead to a more sustainable music scene. In the past year or so, both legal and underground spaces have gone down the gurgler at an alarming rate, often due to the obstacles presented by miles of red tape. The Annandale, Notes, The Sando, Dirty Shirlows and Midian are just a few of the names on the deceased list.

According to the motion, the Council has now committed to undertaking research into "why legal venues such as Notes Enmore and The Sando Newtown have closed down in recent months. This research should include factors such as economic sustainability, liquor licensing laws, BCA requirements and accessibility requirements," and to investigate "informal feedback" indicating that "the fire, safety and accessibility requirements expected of the venues make it financially unsustainable for small business owners to open and operate a music venue legally."

Hundreds of musicians, organisers and promoters crowded into the Council offices at 2-14 Fisher Street, Petersham to show their support. Ali Avron, founder and director of DIY space The Newsagency, was one of the many in attendance. "It was a really great atmosphere ... so many people coming out in support of their community and the culture we're breeding here," she says. "It's definitely a step in the right direction ... It's really hard to start a venue, with the current model ... but now the picture is looking bright."

Image: The Newsagency.