Noosa Junction live music debate reignites as venues pause entertainment
Photo: Business owner Antony Crowther has paused live music at his Noosa Junction venue. Supplied.
A long-running debate over noise complaints in Noosa Junction has reignited with two venues pausing their live music programs following increased scrutiny from authorities.
Restaurants New York Minute and Mr Drifter have temporarily halted their nighttime entertainment, citing a crackdown on noise levels linked to liquor licensing enforcement.
Business owners say the changes are already impacting operations, with others are shifting to daytime trade to recover lost income.
Businesses forced to adapt
One venue owner said the situation had forced a complete rethink of trading hours and offerings, including the introduction of breakfast service and seven-day trade.
Supporters of live music warn the changes could have broader consequences for the precinct.
“This isn’t just about a few venues,” one operator said. “It’s about the future of Noosa Junction’s nightlife and cultural identity.”
Residents push back on noise
At the same time, some Noosa Junction residents say noise levels have become increasingly difficult to manage.
A petition opposing extended trading hours has been circulating, with residents raising concerns about late-night disturbances, sleep disruption and behaviour in surrounding areas.
Some say the precinct has changed significantly in recent years, with music and activity now carrying further into residential zones. Others argue that extended hours could impact the long-term viability of living in the area.
The proposed changes sit within the framework of the Noosa Plan 2020, which governs how the precinct operates.
A Change.org petition opposing increased noise levels began circulating last month and has gathered around 300 signatures. In response, a counter petition was launched, supporting live music has attracted almost 4000 signatures from local businesses, musicians and patrons.
Those unhappy about the noise say they are fighting to protect future generations against a “rowdy nightlife hub”.
Noosa residents have their say about noise levels
Those unhappy about the noise say they are fighting to protect future generations from what they describe as a “rowdy nightlife hub”.
Resident Liss Bardsley has lived in the area for 15 years. She says the noise has made it “a nightmare” to sleep.
“The area was never this loud,” she says.
“Weekends are reasonable. But there are late-night venues pumping music during the week past 11–12pm, and it carries all the way up the hillside.
“There are no sound barriers or considerations for residents who were here first.
“There has also been an increase in violent and drunken behaviour late at night in the car park by the cinema since the venues opened.”
Colin Eden says a good night’s sleep is essential for his health, adding there are already “enough idiots roaming the streets”.
Steve Weis says extended trading hours would “virtually eliminate the viability of residential occupation of the area”.
Sign the petition to stop Noosa Junction from expanding its nighttime trading hours.
What do you think is the solution to live music in Noosa Junction? Email us at editor@yelo.live
Musicians hit back saying ‘live music is not noise pollution’
Long-term Noosa musician Jay Bishoff, who started the popular Peregian Originals events, is confident music won’t be shut down.
“This has been going on here for decades,” Jay says.
“Can we change it? Of course.
“How do we change it? Collectively, peacefully, with avid, unrelenting determination and follow-through, we put consistent, focussed pressure on the authorities.
Long-term Noosa musician Jay Bishoff, who started the popular Peregian Originals events, is confident music won’t be shut down.
“This has been going on here for decades,” Jay says.
“Can we change it? Of course.
“How do we change it? Collectively, peacefully, with avid, unrelenting determination and follow-through, we put consistent, focussed pressure on the authorities.
“It is not hard; it simply requires clear communications, collective co-operation and whole-community engaged proactivity, always with our eyes on the prize.
“Live music and living local culture are not noise pollution.”
Seamus Buter says: “As one of the musicians I can tell you without the music, the Junction will die. And we can’t allow that.”
While Raw Ordio responded saying, “This has to change. Live music is the life blood of the junction.”
What do you think is the solution to live music in Noosa Junction? Email us at editor@yelo.live
‘Live music is key to a successful nighttime economy’
Judi Lalor (pictured), from the Noosa Junction Association (NJA), says the current rules for businesses in Noosa Junction are “out of touch and outdated”.
The NJA’s counter petition argues that live music is key to a successful nighttime economy in small village precincts.
They say current rules are limiting that growth.
Judi says their position is backed by local groups, including the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and the Sunshine Coast Events Industry Association (SCEIA).
The Noosa Plan 2020 identifies Noosa Junction as a “hospitality precinct”, and Judi says the association wants Council to clearly define what that means, along with criteria for how businesses can operate.
They are also calling for greater consistency in licensing rules and regulations.
Boho Beatz almost prey to the noise restrictions
A recent fundraiser at Noosa Junction, Boho Beatz, nearly fell victim to the restrictions, Judi says.
However, a liquor permit without a noise condition was granted at the eleventh hour, following advocacy from Noosa Shire Councillor Jess Phillips and a review by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation in Brisbane.
Judi, pictured with Cr Phillips and Brett from Raw Ordio at the event, says she wants it to be easier for similar events moving forward.
“The approach to noise and music appears inconsistent across the Noosa Shire,” she says.
“Some of our bars and restaurants have been warned, some fined, and some no action taken.”
She says enforcement is often triggered by a single complaint.
Most nighttime businesses in the Junction with amplified or live music operate under a restaurant permit, which carries a 75 decibel limit.
“It’s not very loud. This can be as simple as recorded music over dinner, or an acoustic guitarist or singer, DJ, or pop-up special event.”
Several bars have already applied to have their licence provisions lifted, without success and at a cost.
Judi says the association is not encouraging businesses to break the law or operate outside their licence.
“Nambour has an entertainment precinct. Our aim would be to create an acceptable model that works in Noosa Junction, and a trial that businesses, Council and key stakeholders agree to.
“We are hoping for change.”
Sign the petition to SAVE Noosa Junction’s nighttime economy here: https://www.change.org/p/save-our-music-save-our-nightlife-don-t-let-the-lights-go-out-in-noosa-junction.
What do you think is the solution to live music in Noosa Junction? Email us at editor@yelo.live
Council working to address ‘two valid perspectives’
Noosa Junction is a hospitality precinct surrounded by a residential neighbourhood, Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie says.
And noise complaints are not new to the area, he says.
Cr Wilkie says the challenge is in balancing the role of live music in creating a prosperous and vibrant precinct. This includes the residents’ rights to privacy and quiet enjoyment of their homes.
The current Noosa Plan 2020 allows businesses to operate until midnight on Friday and Saturday and 10pm, Sunday to Thursday.
However, most businesses have approvals to operate until midnight, seven days a week. This is due to historic approvals that pre-date the Plan.
The changes to the Plan are intended to address this inequity, he says. And Council is working to find a balance between “the two valid perspectives”.
No side of the argument will be favoured by more signatures
And while one petition has an overwhelming amount of support in favour of live music, it doesn’t mean noise limits will be lifted, he says.
“Numbers on a petition don’t matter as much as the substance of the issues raised within them.
“This does not mean that music plays in these venues until midnight, seven days a week now, or if these changes are made.
“For example, acoustic music in outdoor areas of the Junction ends at 9pm from Sunday to Thursday nights currently.
“Music is important to Noosa Junction and so is ensuring residents in the adjacent neighbourhood are not unreasonably disturbed.
“Planners are reviewing feedback and will be making recommendations about how late music can be played, whether it must be played indoors or outdoors etc.”
Cr Wilkie says staff are in the initial stage of assessing community feedback and a public report with a way forward is expected “in the next month or so”.
While comments on the proposed amendments have now closed, Cr Wilkie says community members can email their councillors at any time to ensure their views are taken into consideration.
For a list of Noosa Shire Councillors and more information visit: https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/about-council/councillors-meetings/mayor-and-councillors
What do you think is the solution to live music in Noosa Junction? Email us at editor@yelo.live.
