newy.com.au – The number of NSW venues accessing live music incentives has climbed to a record 564, up from 133 before the State Government took office in March 2023, as the state’s live music scene continues its recovery from the lockout era.
The government said pubs and clubs in Newcastle were among the venues taking up the incentives, with 25 local venues now participating in the scheme. The package offers eligible venues an 80 per cent discount on liquor licensing fees, up to an additional two hours of trade on nights they host live music, subject to development approval, and an extra hour on other nights for venues in a Special Entertainment Precinct.
Among the local examples cited was Method Brewing in Islington, which has increased its annual number of gigs from 12 to 120.
Eligible venues in metropolitan areas, including Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong, must host at least 10 gigs a month to qualify, while regional communities face more flexible requirements.
The government said the increase in participating venues followed three rounds of vibrancy reforms since March 2023. Those changes have included removing the final elements of the lockout laws, including the last drinks requirement, reforming the noise complaint system so single serial complaints can no longer shut down a music venue, and allowing venues to offer live entertainment in a range of settings without needing development approval.
Other changes include switching off development consent conditions that restricted licensed venues to certain music genres, limited the type or number of instruments, capped the number of musicians, prevented original music or imposed “no entertainment” clauses.
The government has also introduced the Music Bill 2026 to create a live venue accreditation scheme aimed at helping music venues receive targeted support, including grants and dispute mediation services.
It said capacity-building grant programs, including Venue Upgrade Grants and the Live Performance Venue Program, had supported 155 live performance venues through upgrades such as sound equipment, soundproofing and marketing.
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said Newcastle remained a stronghold for live performance.
“Newcastle has always been a place where live music thrives.”
“There are 25 Newcastle venues reaping the benefits of the NSW Government’s live music incentives. We are seeing more stages for artists to perform on and more shows for audiences to enjoy.”
