Alarm is growing for the Sunshine Coast’s live music and hospitality scene as high-profile venue closures prompt the launch of a new Save Our Venues campaign.
Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien will visit 20 local businesses as part of the consultation, following recent shutdowns including Solbar and The Station.
Nationally, more than 41,000 businesses have collapsed over the past four years, with insolvencies hitting a record high last year.
“A thriving hospitality and music scene is about more than venues – it is the culture of the Coast,” Mr O’Brien said.
“When venues close we lose jobs, places to meet and make memories, and part of what makes our region vibrant.
“These closures are a warning sign that operators are under real pressure.”
While consultation is still underway, Mr O’Brien said direction for reform was already clear, with small businesses facing growing pressure from rising costs, shrinking margins and increasing red tape.
He said the campaign would focus on pushing for changes to protect local venues, including reducing regulatory burdens and easing the cost pressures driving closures.
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Mr O’Brien is undertaking a listening tour, visiting cafes, bars and pubs to hear directly from venue owners, workers and patrons.
The tour forms part of a month-long consultation, including an online survey to capture community feedback.
“I encourage venue owners, workers and locals to share their experiences so we can better understand what’s happening on the ground,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This campaign is about bringing the community together and fighting for the changes needed to protect our local venues.”
Venue owners, hospitality workers and patrons can take part online.
The survey closes on April 24.
