By Abbey Cannan
A petition with more than 1000 signatures has called for the community to support live music and the vibrant nightlife of Noosa Junction.
The appeal is hitting back at another petition that compared the Junction to the Gold Coast, urging the council to stop the strip from ’becoming a seven-day nightlife hub’.
The petition started by Peter Stuehrenberg states Noosa Junction is not an appropriate location for a late night rowdy nightlife hub.
“This is not just for us, but for the future generations who will call Noosa home,“ Peter wrote.
Noosa Junction Association marketing and PR manager Judi Lalor said for more than a decade, local small businesses, musicians, entertainers and the Noosa Junction Association have been working together to activate and bring the village vibe to Noosa Junction.
“Everyone’s favourite local has something for everyone, including those looking for a night out,“ Judi said.
“The precinct now offers a range of dining and entertainment choices for young families, early diners, bar hoppers, theatre goers, backpackers and night owls.
“Live music is a big part of that offer – it’s our beating heart. It supports our local night time economy and local jobs. It brings people of all ages together.
“But it’s very challenging times to be in any small business right now and hospitality is no exception. On the back of Covid, we now have a cost of living crisis, for lease signs, lost jobs…“
Judi said now the nightlife choices Noosa Junction has worked so hard for are under threat.
“Its scare mongering language warns of the Junction turning into “a rowdy nightlife hub seven days a week“, destroying local quality of life and well-being through ’unbearable’ noise pollution, nuisance and crime.“
The petition asks if residents will ’lose out’, but Judi thinks the bigger question is what will residents lose if the lights go out in Noosa Junction?
“We don’t think music that activates hospitality spaces in Noosa Junction should be considered noise pollution,“ Judi said.
“We do think the nighttime economy should be recognised for its valued contribution to our local economy and social culture.
“The very limited provision for small bars/restaurants to have any type of music demonstrates how out of touch and outdated licensing and planning schemes are.
“These archaic rules to prevent trade put our local jobs and local businesses at risk. We absolutely think our neighbours are important and we need to strive for a balanced approach.
“With the support of the local community and our loyal patrons we hope to rally the Noosa Council and key stakeholders to support live music as a vital part of our night time economy and to join our collaborative approach to achieve constructive, practical solutions to protect our nightlife for those in the now and in the future.“
To view both petitions, visit change.org
