Main picture via Facebook: Mr Drifter’s popular open mic night is no longer after neighbours complained about its noise

The Sunshine Coast live music community is standing strong against residents who complain about their noise.

They will take to the streets for a “peaceful public protest” at Noosa Junction on October 13.

It comes as two Noosa businesses were shut down by liquor licensing authorities, following complaints from neighbours about their late music nights.

The protest is in response to a Change.org petition, put out by the residents, which challenged proposed amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020.

The amendments would see Noosa Junction’s trading hours extended to midnight, seven days a week.

Currently food and drink outlets can operate until midnight, Friday and Saturday nights, and until 10pm, from Sunday to Thursday.

The petition has almost 400 signatures, while a counter petition, launched by the Noosa Junction Association, has more than 5300 signatures.

Mr Drifter and New York Minute both had their nightly music shut down by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, after repeatedly pushing beyond the 10pm curfew, and past the 75 decibel limit.

Noosa Mayor remains impartial to both sides

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie says Noosa Council is working to find a balance between “the two valid perspectives”.

“Numbers on a petition don’t matter as much as the substance of the issues raised within them,” Cr Wilkie says.

Those unhappy about the noise say they are fighting to protect future generations against a “rowdy nightlife hub”.

While the Junction businesses and the associated live music community say they have been mercilessly picked on by the OGLR, and its “draconian” and “authoritative” laws.

Protest organiser and local musician Oz Bayldon says “Noosa is already pretty close to becoming a stale white loaf as far as culture goes”.

“And it seems the more money that moves in the more anything creative gets squashed.

“We have a whole industry at risk of not being able to make a living and if you ever walk past these venues you hardly hear it until you are walking directly in front of it.

“Please support and share if you’d like to keep live music in our communituy. It’s one of the only things bringing our community together.”

Community leader says this is not a new issue

Co-organiser and musician Jay Bishoff, who was instrumental in the Peregian Originals and Covid protests, and responsible for the music nights which shut down the two businesses, says this “issue has been going on here for decades”.

“The goal of this peaceful musical demonstration is to garner support for musicians and our local, live music venues, to freely continue their professional and community objectives, thereby continuing the healthy re-vitalisation of Noosa’s creative landscape,” Jay says.

“This will protect jobs and continue to foster a healthy, thriving and authentic local community culture.

“The community invites everyone who values Noosa’s vibrant, creative entertainment culture, to come out and make a stand, in demanding local and state government support.

“Together, we can restore Noosa as an authentic creative hub, where the artistic spirit that makes our community unique, fills the air for all to enjoy.”

Residents say they aren’t against live music

Resident Sheelin Coates says she isn’t against live music.

“I wanted to clarify that we are not talking about anything like the Peregian Originals here – it’s a very different scenario,” Sheelin says.

“Be great to see live music in the Junction during the day and early evenings which is what happens elsewhere.

“The issue of concern is that this is happening much later at night (after 10) and at very high volumes beyond what any venue is permitted.

“So we are not comparing apples and oranges.

“Like so many things, the actual facts can easily get lost in the emotion and the angst and people can reach conclusions without fully understanding all aspects of the situation.”

What are your thoughts? Is there a way to resolve this issue? Or will residents who want to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep always have the upper hand? Email us at editor@yelo.live

Keep up to date with the Noosa protest here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566983845922.

For more background to this story you can read our earlier story here: https://yelo.live/noosa-junction-businesses-push-back-against-noise-complaints/.