Queensland will have a dedicated nightlife commissioner in a bid to reboot Brisbane’s live music scene and revitalise the state’s 24-hour economy.
Premier Steven Miles will set aside funding for a nightlife commissioner in tomorrow’s state budget.
“It’s my expectation that the commissioner will work closely and collaboratively with the sector to boost vibrancy and maintain safety right across the state,” Miles said in a statement.
The Valley’s boisterousness has been around longer than many of its residents have been there.Credit: Paul Harris
“A thriving and safe nighttime economy means a thriving city – one that keeps our young and brightest in good jobs, delivering for Queensland.
“Our nighttime economy helps generate millions each year and supports jobs across the state, in small business, arts, entertainment, tourism and more.”
While focused on Brisbane, the government statement said the role would be designed to support communities statewide, whether that be “a local pub in Toowoomba, a music festival in Cairns, or nightlife spots on the Sunshine Coast”.
The news comes as the government reviews its Safe Night Precincts, and Brisbane City Council investigates alternatives to costly ID scanners for venues.
John Collins, the part-owner of Fortitude Valley’s Fortitude Music Hall and Newstead’s The Triffid, and QMusic chief executive Kris Stewart, have both supported calls for Brisbane to have its own Nighttime Economy Commissioner, a role they say has been a success in Sydney.
“Sydney is only now – with the work of their Nighttime Economy commissioner Michael Rodriguez – started to dig their way out of a series of bad policies that pretty much devastated many of their nighttime precincts,” Stewart told Brisbane Times last week.
There has been speculation Collins might be a leading candidate for the role in Brisbane. He said it would depend on its scope “but I think either way it’s a good idea”.