A Sunshine Coast brewery co-owner has been included on an expert panel that is set to help rejuvenate Queensland’s night-life economy.
Moffat Beach Brewing Co’s Sharynne Wilson is one of 12 people on the panel, which includes live music venue operators, event promoters, hotel and club representatives, performers, academics, charities and safe night precinct workers.
Ms Wilson and her husband Matt run an award-winning brewery that has become one of the most popular destinations on the Sunshine Coast since launching in 2015.
The panel, to be chaired by Queensland’s nightlife economy commissioner John Collins, will consider a range of issues relevant to the success of late-night economies, including economic and business operating conditions, regulatory settings, workforce, transport and safety.
Mr Collins, widely known as JC, is a former bassist for Brisbane band Powderfinger.
Now, he’s a music venue operator tasked with encouraging the growth and sustainability of the tens of thousands of businesses which drive the industry.
The panel will aid state and local government decision-making on ways to support the sector, providing jobs for Queenslanders, as well as ensuring locals and visitors can have a great night out, wherever they are in the state.
The panel is expected to meet for the first time in February.
Minister for Youth Sam O’Connor, who is responsible for the nightlife economy, said the advisory panel comprised experts covering all aspects of Queensland’s nightlife.
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“I’m confident this panel will be able to work with JC to build on the nightlife economy that already exists,” he said.
“It’s no secret many businesses, including small and family operators in this sector, have gone to the wall, and thousands of others are doing it tough, having struggled to survive the Covid pandemic only to be hit with the cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
“We need to start work now to ensure our nightlife is pumping when Queensland is on the world stage in 2032. The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring the commissioner is properly supported and the sector and government are in tune with each other.
“Queensland is known around the world as a holiday mecca: an exciting and vibrant nightlife is an essential part of that.”
