A number of Aussie acts will perform at a protest in Canberra today in the wake of plans for a new hotel to be built near some of the city's favourite live music venues.
As Canberra Times reports, the proposed $120 million development to be built in Garema Place could result in bars and venues being shut down should guests make noise complaints, with MusicACT head David Caffery saying the noise complaint legislation needs to be revisited.
"We know that Garema Place is an active space, and [the ACT government] have spent money on policies trying to bring life into the area, but the noise laws are contradicting it," Caffery said.
Local names like Hands Like Houses, Citizen Kay, Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers and Young Monks will perform in Garema Place from 12.30pm today.
"We want sound laws that work for all of Canberra, with hotspots that protect music venues AND let people sleep at night," a statement posted on the Facebook event page reads.
"Garema Place is constantly over the limit of archaic sound laws, but no-one sleeps there so laws are not enforced… yet. Hopscotch, Toast, Gypsy Bar, Transit Bar, Knightsbridge Penthouse, Polish White Eagle Club and countless events have been seriously impacted or closed by these laws. And few new venues have opened despite a soaring music scene.
"MusicACT published better ways of managing sound and city residences five years ago, and the government has known about this issue for nearly a decade. With their approval of this hotel, the sound laws have hit breaking point. We need entertainment precincts to stop grumps moving into the city and shutting down activity."
To register for today's event, click here.
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