Photo: Gold Coast musician Casey Barnes performs at Groundwater Country Music Festival, Broadbeach.

Gold Coast musicians have taken to social media to plead to Gold Coast Council for more support for local live music. They say the music scene is being held back by restrictive policies, low pay and a lack of venues for original acts.

A quick survey by YELO music editor Penny Brand across local community groups drew an overwhelming response. While opinions varied, the message was consistent — Gold Coast musicians want more venues for live, original music. And they want better conditions to sustain a creative career.

Many said there are limited opportunities for louder, full-band performances, with venues often favouring cover acts over original artists. Others point to low pay and a lack of long-term support for musicians trying to build a following.

“Utterly ridiculous” policies stifling live music

Some musicians said zoning and sound restrictions are a major barrier to growth.

Permitted noise levels at certain venues have been described as unrealistic, some said. One local noted that passing traffic could be louder than live performances. Others said complaints from nearby residents continued to shut down opportunities for venues to host regular music.

The result, many argue, is a scene that struggles to grow beyond small-scale or acoustic performances.

Photo: The Yard, Mermaid Beach — a live music venue impacted by strict sound limits. Facebook.

A lack of venues for original artists

There is also concern about the lack of spaces for original music, particularly venues that can build a consistent audience.

Some Gold Coast musicians said they wanted supported regular residencies, where bands could perform multiple nights a week, and develop a loyal following. That model, they said, has largely disappeared.

Without those opportunities, emerging artists are finding it harder to gain experience and connect with local audiences.

“No venues, no new bands”

Many believe stronger venue support is key to the future of Australian music.

“If there are no venues, there are no new bands — and no future headliners,” one musician said, pointing to the era that produced acts like INXS, Cold Chisel and AC/DC.

Others said venues need to take more responsibility in supporting local talent, rather than relying heavily on cover bands and tribute acts.

Low pay and limited opportunities

Underpayment is another major concern.

Some musicians said live performances are often paid “next to nothing”, making it difficult to sustain a career without additional work. Others argue that fair pay would allow more artists to stay in the industry and continue developing their craft.

There are also calls for larger venues and major spaces to support local acts, including opportunities for smaller artists to perform as support on bigger stages.

Photo: HOTA (Home of the Arts), Gold Coast — some musicians said underused spaces could support more local acts. Supplied.

Calls for more diversity and inclusion

Beyond venues and pay, musicians are also calling for greater diversity in the types of music being supported.

Genres such as punk, metal, hip hop, reggae and Indigenous music are often underrepresented, while some said there is an over-reliance on solo acts rather than full bands.

Others believe festivals and major events could do more to showcase local talent, particularly emerging and unsigned artists.

A need for long-term planning

There are also calls for Council to follow through on existing plans aimed at supporting live music, including night-time precincts and dedicated entertainment zones.

Some said areas like Southport have the potential to become hubs for live music, but only if venues are given the freedom to operate without excessive restrictions.

Gold Coast Council was contacted by YELO but did not respond in time for publication.

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The Gold Coast musicians’ push for change comes amid growing concern about the future of live music in the region.

Groundwater Country Music Festival at Broadbeach in October.