NSW inquiry hears live music industry faces transport, cost challenges

For someone living in Richmond, more than 60 kilometres north-west of Sydney's CBD, a night out gigging in the city ends at about midnight to comfortably get the last train home.

While the occasional night bus runs in the early morning hours, music-lovers living in the outer suburbs are subject to public transport timetabling.

A state parliamentary inquiry into live music in NSW has heard from industry stakeholders looking to service younger audiences sprawled across Greater Sydney.

The inquiry discussed funding issues within an industry that has been described as "fragile" by the Australian Festival Association.

With more than 100 submissions, stakeholders at Monday's first public hearing called for more support across all levels of the industry, from emerging musicians through to some of Australia's largest music festival organisers.

Lack of transport limiting access to live music

Alex Poirer, president of Musicians NSW from the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, told the inquiry he spends hours commuting to the city from Penrith in Sydney's west.

Greens MP and member of the inquiry Cate Faehrmann raised the issue of limited public transport at night and suggested fare-free travel.

"If not free the whole time, but maybe Thursday through to Sunday would be pretty amazing, after 6[pm] for example," she said.

Ms Faehrmann said Sydney's urban sprawl and a lack of transport options restricted access to live music.

"There are so many young people now increasingly more away from the city centre in terms of changing demographics… they don't want to be stuck in Surry Hills, or Newtown, or Kings Cross at 2am or 3am."

Michael Rodrigues, the 24-hour economy commissioner, said the extended public transport timetabling for this year's Mardi Gras parade was a positive example of combining the transport network with special events.

"The certainty that the transport would be available is a driver for people having the confidence to go out," he said.

However, because of the costs associated with running extended public transport services, Mr Rodrigues said it also had to be "sustainable".

More young people, less alcohol at gigs

Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins told the inquiry that engaging younger audiences was crucial to sustaining the live music scene into the future.

"There are many changes happening in the youth space around how young people engage in live music,"

"Young people drink less [and] they're probably dealing with a more intense plethora of online options and attention-grabbing options."

Mr Rodrigues said providing a wider range of options that were affordable and closer to different communities was also important.

"We want to diversify night-life and not make it essentially an alcohol experience. It opens up discovery for audiences more broadly," he said.

Rising costs an ongoing battle

The country's peak festival body, the Australian Festival Association, told the inquiry about rising costs faced by organisers, including insurance and policing.

The inquiry heard high insurance costs had a direct impact on festival ticket prices, tighter programs and fewer opportunities for emerging musicians and artists.

Chief executive Olly Arkins said insurance costs also disadvantaged smaller festival organisers.

"It's not just a cost issue, but an access and a competition issue when you consider some of the smaller players," they said.

They also called for more cost transparency in terms of policing and liquor licensing, which is arranged by the organising company.

"New South Wales is the absolute most expensive jurisdiction in the country to do an event in, when it comes to government-imposed charges."

The hearings are scheduled to recommence on June 16.