A decade’s long furore over noise complaints in Noosa Junction has been reignited with two restaurants shutting down their nighttime entertainment.

New York Minute and Mr Drifter have temporarily paused their popular live music nights after a crack down on noise levels by liquor licensing authorities.

Business owner Antony Crowther (pictured) took to social media yesterday, saying law enforcement in the area has increased.

Forced to reimagine new menu and operating hours

Antony’s burger diner, which has been operating in Noosa for nine months, now must recoup its nighttime profits with a new breakfast menu and seven-day trading.

“Noosa is on the verge of losing its vibrant nightlife—forever,” Antony says.

“Imagine the lights dimming, the music silenced, and the heart of our community slowly fading away.

“This isn’t just about losing a few late-night hangouts. It’s about erasing a culture, a way of life, and a beacon of joy for locals and visitors alike.

“If we don’t act now, Noosa will never be the same.”

Antony says while this is a “significant setback, it’s not the end”.

“We are working hard to meet the necessary requirements, including completing renovations to our back room. And securing the approval of our acoustic report, and updating our license.”

Extended hours ‘would eliminate residential occupation’

Noosa Junction residents have been petitioning Noosa Shire Council over a proposed amendment to the Noosa Plan 2020.

The amendment could see 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 Change.org petition, which has just 300 signatures, began circulating last month, and opposes the precinct’s noise levels.

In response, a counter petition was launched, which now has almost 4000 signatures from local businesses and musicians.

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

Resident Liss Bardsley has lived in the area for 15 years. She says noise levels in the precinct have made it “a nightmare” to sleep.

“The area was never this loud,” Liss 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 is an increase in violent and drunken behaviour late night in the car park by the cinema that has increased since the late night music venues have opened.”

Colin Eden says a good night’s sleep is essential for his health. And there’s “enough idiots roaming the streets already.”

The extended hours would “virtually eliminate the viability of residential occupation of the area”, Steve Weis says.

Sign the petition to STOP Noosa Junction from expanding its nighttime trading hours here: https://www.change.org/p/stop-noosa-junction-from-becoming-a-7-day-nightlife-hub-protect-residential-wellbeing.        

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.

“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 Noosa Junction Association (NJA) says the current rules and regulations for businesses operating in Noosa Junction are “out of touch and outdated”.

The NJA’s counter petition argues that live music is key to a successful nighttime operation in small village economies.

Judi says their arguments are backed by local lobby groups such as the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and Sunshine Coast Events Industry Association (SCEIA).

The Noosa Council Town Plan 2020 identifies Noosa Junction as a “Noosa’s hospitality precinct”.

Judi says the NJA wants Council to define what this means and provide criteria for businesses to operate.

They also want 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 challenging restrictions, Judi says.

However, a Liquor Permit without a noise condition, was granted at the eleventh hour thanks to 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 Boho Beatz, 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 it’s often triggered by one complaint.

Most nighttime businesses in the junction with amplified or live music, operate with a restaurant permit which carries a 75 decible 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 go 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 for 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