Page 3295 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 16 August 2011
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also wish to acknowledge that more than 70 individuals and organisations provided submissions to the committee or appeared at the inquiry hearings, and we thank them for their contributions.
In February 2009, the Assembly referred a number of issues in relation to live events to the ACT standing committee for inquiry. The inquiry was undertaken to examine matters related to the support of live events, including order of occupancy legislation, community bollards and amendment to building codes. The committee tabled an interim report in December 2009.
Noting the number of issues raised during the committee consultations, the committee broadened the scope of the inquiry to cover a broad range of issues in relation to the support of live events in the ACT, including planning policy, transport and noise-related health issues. The committee reported to the Assembly on this inquiry on 26 August 2010.
The final inquiry report recommends that a number of investigations be undertaken in relation to live events in Canberra. The government response agrees in principle to many of these investigations and, in some instances, notes the review of legislation is already scheduled. The response disagrees with some of the recommendations where they are not considered to be the responsibility of the government or where they are not in accordance with other government policies.
A vibrant arts scene is dependent on community and government support, and I am committed to looking at how we as a government and as a community can better support live music in this city. The government agrees in principle to three interim report recommendations, such as noise standards, improved soundproofing for community facilities and availability of venues for hire for live events.
One of the more difficult hurdles to overcome in this debate is the question of noise impacts on residents from live music. The upcoming review of the EPA, which governs noise restrictions across the ACT, is an opportunity to open up the community conversation about how we can reduce barriers to live music through relaxing noise restrictions without disrupting the peaceful enjoyment of residents in the city, town centres and group centres. I can foreshadow that, through the review of the Environment Protection Act, artsACT will provide a submission that supports changes to noise restrictions in zones B and C, that is, areas of Civic, town centres and group centres, to assist venues wanting to build their live music offerings.
In relation to the final report, the government agrees in principle to 10 report recommendations addressing topics such as noise monitoring and standards, awareness program and the risks of noise, authorisation systems for one-off events, ACTION Nightrider service, taxi rank supervision and public liability insurance. The ACT government is committed to participation and engagement in the arts. It recognises that a healthy arts sector underpins and encourages celebration, belonging and enjoyment of life in communities, and the government values the vibrancy of live music and is committed to fostering the sustainability of live music in the ACT.
Canberra has a diverse musical culture and a history of providing a range of live music events, whether it is a band playing at a nightclub or an outdoor community
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