Council Regional Council has partnered with The Live Music Office and The Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS), to deliver the Live and Local program.

The program aims to establish best practices for live music presentation, with a focus on strengthening local communities and supporting the sustainable long-term growth of the Cairns live music industry.

This initiative includes a series of micro-festivals, professional development workshops, an industry forum, and will culminate in the creation of a Live Music Framework for the Cairns Region.

Over the next 12 months, the program will engage the community through various opportunities to help shape the Framework. The goal is to develop a strategy that fosters growth in the music sector by improving access to resources and building strong partnerships with government, industry organisations, and local businesses.

The key actions within the Framework will enable Council to better navigate regulatory challenges, strengthen industry connections, and support the creation, performance, and export of high-quality music. By supporting the local sector, we will foster meaningful, long-term careers and attract and retain a talented creative workforce in Cairns.

Council has engaged a Policy Consultant, a Venue Liaison Consultant, and established a cross-Council working group. A Cairns Music Industry Working Group (CMIWG) has also been established.

The Cairns Music Industry Gathering held at Tanks Arts Centre 8-10 November 2024 provided a platform for the music community to connect, grow professionally and help shape the future of live music in the region.

Program highlights included:

• Live and Local Industry Forum discussing key trends and challenges for venues and musicians
• Panel discussions on Professional Development and strategies to elevate live music in the region
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals and venue operators
• Live performances showcasing local talent

The Live and Local Industry Forum, facilitated by Lucy Joseph from the Live Music Office, brought together musicians, music venues, local businesses, industry representatives to discuss the future of music in the community. Below are a series of questions and responses from the roundtable discussions.

Cairns Regional Council is developing a new Creative Life Strategy to replace the 2022 Strategy for Culture and Arts, which was aligned with the Corporate Plan 2017-2022. The new strategy is designed to address the needs of the community, creatives, businesses, and visitors, while aligning with the Council's Towards 2050: Shaping Cairns program.

Closely connected to the development of the new strategy, the Live and Local program focuses on expanding opportunities for the arts, culture, and the growth of creative industries within our region.