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Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 28 September 2007 LIVE MUSIC INDUSTRY TO BENEFIT FROM CUTS TO RED TAPE The Iemma Government has finalised changes to planning laws which will help Sydney’s live music industry to thrive. Planning Minister Frank Sartor said a new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) and regulation would be gazetted today (Friday), to take effect in October. “The Iemma Government has delivered on its commitment to further streamline the planning system – in response to music industry and council concerns,” Mr Sartor said. “We recognise live music has an important place in our culture and have taken steps to iron out some inefficiencies in the planning system, to support the industry. “Sydney’s arts and culture scene will continue to grow in strength, from gigs in local pubs through to the new Government-funded international film prize as part of the Sydney Film Festival.” The changes cut red tape for the approval of live entertainment including for: • Live music and stand-up comedy in pubs and clubs; • public performances in theatres; • public screening of films in cinemas; • community fairs; • agricultural shows; and • outdoor music festivals, business promotional events. Under the previous system, venues had to seek council approval under the Local Government Act before a building could be used as a ‘Place of Public Entertainment’, then a planning approval could also be required. The changes set out the types of public entertainment development which require consent from the local council, and those which are exempt or can be approved as complying development. The live music legislation passed Parliament last year and the draft changes were publicly exhibited earlier this year. Music industry spokesman John Wardle said the new regulations would bring short- and long-term benefits for industry. “The new streamlined processes and the end of duplication has fantastic potential for creative activity in NSW,” Mr Wardle said. “It will be great news for anyone who has wanted to have live music, theatre or comedy in their venue and found it too hard under the previous process. “We hope this enables much more grass-roots entertainment and employment opportunities for performing artists in NSW.” Jazz musician Dave Panichi performed on the new James Morrison and Deni Hines album The Other Woman, due out soon. He said: “These reforms are long overdue and vitally important to the future success of the live music industry in NSW.”
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