As costs rise and income falls, industry looks to reverse regional live music's decline
Rising operational costs are causing a decline in live music events in regional Australian cities like Mount Gambier. Local promoters are struggling to balance the high costs of logistics and security with the demand for marquee shows, leading to community frustration.
Why it matters
The decline of regional live music impacts local economies and cultural accessibility for residents outside major metropolitan hubs.
Mount Gambier musician Liam Brown has been seeing a shrinking number of live performance opportunities. ( ABC South East SA: Josh Brine )
Venues and artists in SA's second biggest city, Mount Gambier, say soaring costs have led to a decline in gigs.
The lack of tours coming to the city has led to backlash against a local venue owner.
MusicSA says the issue is nationwide, and a regional music summit in Mount Gambier will help come up with solutions.
Link copied Share Share article A hundred years ago the Old Mount Gambier Gaol was home to the region's convicts and criminals.
Since its decommissioning in the 1990s it has become a hub for events, accommodation, and played host to some of the region's largest music shows.
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