Agent of Change law set for Victoria?

Victoria could be introducing the Agent of Change law to protect live music venues as early as mid-August, sources told The Music Network.

The Department of Planning met with reps from Music Victoria, Save Live Australia’s Music (SLAM) and Fair Go 4 Live Music last Thursday to unveil its latest package. Final negotiations are being held this week. The live music industry has lobbied for Agent of Change for ten years. It means that residents who move into a neighbourhood that has a club in existence can’t complain about its noise, and builders must sound-proof new buildings.

Minister of Planning Matthew Guy has been keen to bring the law into effect, and apparently rejected early versions as too lukewarm. He promised to table it in Parliament as early as Jan/Feb, however proceedings were delayed.

In mid-July, SLAM criticised him publicly, saying the music community  “has lost faith with the Minister’s inaction”. Guy was ropeable and responded he was “very disappointed” with SLAM’s comments.

In the meantime, no less than five clubs in Melbourne are facing noise issues, including The Reverence Hotel in Footscray and The Gasometer in Collingwood. In addition, Tago Mago in Thornbury holds a benefit concert this Saturday to raise money for sound proofing and to stave off plans to break their seven-year lease. Pure Pop Records, a record store which showcase acts in its courtyard, will close at its current Barkly St. location on August 17.

Finally, a 42-day crowd-sourcing campaign by Cherry Bar in AC/DC Lane in the City to raise $30,000 towards $90,000 worth of sound proofing had to close early after $50,000 was raised within 24 hours from 775 pledges. Co-owner James Young explained, “The punters are sending the message out that protecting live music venues is a priority for them.”