Main picture via Facebook: Mr Drifter’s open mic night was shut down following noise complaints from neighbours.

The Sunshine Coast live music community is standing firm against residents raising concerns about noise, with a “peaceful public protest” planned for Noosa Junction on October 13.

The protest follows action taken against two Noosa venues after complaints about late-night music.

Mr Drifter and New York Minute both had their live music halted by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR), after repeatedly exceeding the 10pm curfew and 75-decibel limit.

The protest is also in response to a Change.org petition launched by residents opposing proposed amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020.

The amendments would allow trading hours in Noosa Junction to extend to midnight, seven days a week. Currently, food and drink outlets can operate until midnight on Friday and Saturday, and until 10pm from Sunday to Thursday.

The residents’ petition has gathered almost 400 signatures, while a counter-petition from the Noosa Junction Association has attracted more than 5,300.

Noosa Mayor remains impartial to both sides

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said 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 said.

Those opposed to the noise say they are fighting to protect future generations from what they describe as a “rowdy nightlife hub”.

Meanwhile, Junction businesses and members of the live music community say they have been unfairly targeted by the OLGR and its “draconian” and “authoritative” regulations.

Protest organiser and local musician Oz Bayldon said, “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 directly in front of them.

“Please support and share if you’d like to keep live music in our community. 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 Peregian Originals and Covid-era protests, said the issue has been ongoing “for decades”.

“The goal of this peaceful musical demonstration is to garner support for musicians and our local live music venues, allowing them to continue their professional and community roles while supporting the revitalisation of Noosa’s creative landscape,” he said.

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

“The community invites everyone who values Noosa’s creative scene to come out and make a stand in support of local and state government action.

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

Residents say they aren’t against live music

Resident Sheelin Coates said she supports live music, but within limits.

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

“It would 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 10pm) 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 seeking a peaceful night’s sleep always have the upper hand?

Email us at editor@yelo.live.

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

For more background, read our earlier story: https://yelo.live/noosa-junction-businesses-push-back-against-noise-complaints/

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