Coalition promises to lure music’s biggest names to the bush
Music lovers in the bush will get to see more of their favourite artists closer to home under the latest Coalition election pledge.
State Election
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Music’s biggest names will be lured to regional NSW under the Coalition’s election pledge to voters in the bush.
A re-elected Coalition government has promised $6m to bring major international musical acts to the bush with extra funding for presenters, producers and festival organisers.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the new Headline Act Regional Touring Fund would support Australian and international artists to take their shows to the regions.
“When a big name performs under the big skies of regional NSW, it creates a massive boost for the local economy,” Mr Toole said.
“When Elton John played in Bathurst in 2020, 20,000 people turned out and hotels were booked out months in advance. That’s heads on beds and a huge boost to business for local shops, cafes and restaurants.”
“We want to encourage more global names to shine a global spotlight on regional NSW by adding a regional stop to their tour schedule.”
Hospitality Minister Kevin Anderson said the government would also commit to reviewing the Music Festivals Act if it returns to office to cut red tape and streamline approvals for events.
“Through a dedicated team, we will offer direct support to music festival organisers and will work with industry to identify festival-appropriate sites across regional NSW,” Mr Anderson said.
“That is why the Liberal and Nationals are committed to ensuring the regulatory environment promotes a vibrant, safe and sustainable sector across the state.
“We recognise the important role that live music and festivals play in our regional communities.”
Tourism Minister Ben Franklin added: “These world-class live music events will bring visitors from across Australia and the world to experience the very best of what regional NSW has to offer. That means booked out hotels, full restaurants, cafes and pubs.”
The review will occur in the first term of the new government if the Coalition wins.
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