A “sparrow lifestyle” and a lack of public transport are the reasons the Sunshine Coast’s night-time economy is struggling, a UniSC study shows.

UniSC lead researcher Dr Lenny Vance has surveyed 10 local representatives including venue owners, musicians, and peak-body members, saying the findings paint a “trying picture”.

Dr Vance says the cost of living is “biting in multiple ways” such as operating and supply costs, and staff can’t afford to live close to venues.

He says the Coast’s “sparrow lifestyle” (early to bed/early to rise) and changes in Gen Z behaviours, are other contributors.

Business owners remain positive

Howerver, businesses are optimistic about a successful recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There are some perceptions in the industry that authorities are against live music. And that they are stifling operators with licensing and noise complaints,” Dr Vance says.

“This is not actually the case.

“The existing legislations, which are mostly state government-based, force a council to act if even a single community complaint is made. We need to review these legislative constraints.

“Council has actually included a thriving night-time economy as a key ingredient to the success of its economic and community development strategies.”

It’s not all doom and gloom with the report also finding some night spots, such as Noosa Junction, could provide a new model for the sector.

Longtime champion of live original music and community concerts, Jay Bishoff (pictured), hosted an event at new Noosa venue, New York Minute, to a packed house on Tuesday.

“This is the moment for The Junction to decide: do we want to preserve and continue to build up a vibrant, authentic, locals-based live music and nightlife scene.” Jay says.

“Or do we want to sterilise it and put it to sleep, joining the sad fate of other coastal areas?”

Mini entertainment hubs recommended

Other recommendations from the UniSC research include the establishment of a mid-sized 2000-person capacity venue in Maroochydore, and reworking existing industrial spaces.

Dr Vance says he hopes to see the establishment of local entertainment “hubs”, similar to Noosa Junction and Maleny Lane.

“The Coast is realistically a spread-out string of villages.

“We need to stimulate the development and promotion of these local hubs… and normalise this behaviour as we work towards the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic.”

Social media users have their say

Locals took to the UniSC Facebook page to air their views.

Luke Mills says: “We need more venues to attract different kinds of people.”

“What I’ve noticed about the nightlife on the Coast is that if you’re not a hot tradie or surfer dude or a basic bimbo there’s essentially nowhere you can fit in.

“It’s a very cliquey environment wherever you go because there’s no diversity in the kind of entertainment the Coast has to offer. Brissy is a million times better.”

Emma Mitchell puts it back on the uni, saying: “I honestly think the UniSC Sippy Downs campus is ridiculously under-utilised!

“We could be creating an arts and culture hub but we don’t even hold end of year creative industries showcases there.”

Justin Raderson blames the high number of retirement aged people “who aren’t into a rowdy night out”.

Have your say

UniSC researchers are now seeking members of the public to share their thoughts on the state of the Sunshine Coat’s night life. 

Click this link to take part in that survey and have your say.