Local music organiser Kelvin Johnson is concerned about the future of live music events in the Southern Downs.
The local personality recently penned an open letter to the Mayor, Council and CEO expressing frustration that permits for free music events have yet to be signed off on by relevant Council authorities due to insurance concerns.
Mr Johnson says the Local Youth Concert in Weeroona Park on June 8 will be impacted; the August concert featuring Vix, the winner of the 2023 Stanthorpe national Australian busking championships and the December Nine Year Sister concert are on the line. All three events are planned as free music experiences for the community sponsored by the Granite Belt Music Council.
“I’m gifting things,” Mr Johnson told The Town & Country Journal with clear frustration.
While Mr Johnson claims that the concerts have been iced due to a recent internal SDRC “review”, a spokesperson for Council contradicts this version of events.
“No events have been turned down," the spokesperson said. "Council is awaiting evidence of public liability insurance from the applicant; at which time, the assessment of the applications will be completed.”
Mr Johnson bristles at this.
“How many youth have the ability to pay for a twenty million dollar certificate?” confirming that his concerts are free and GBMC is “not profiteering”. Mr Johnson believes Council is prioritising ticketed events in gated spaces. Furthermore, he says GBMC were told about an “internal committee” but when he asked who is on the committee, no answer has been forthcoming.
He would like to ask the Mayor “who is on this faceless nameless committee and why don’t we get a response?”
Mr Johnson says that Council has told GBMC that they need to be incorporated, which he is reluctant to do but is happy instead to do a business model acceptable to Council.
“The other issue there is that we are covered as Musicians Australia, we are covered for $20 million in public liability and we are waiting for a [certificate].”
Musicians Australia is a member-led initiative to build a better, fairer and more sustainable music industry.
Mr Johnson also points out that public areas are already covered by public liability insurance, saying, “There’s no reason why Council can’t cover under the existing [scheme]. They can do that, there’s no reason why they can’t.
“These youth have waited all year and will lose hope, confidence and value for their talent if it happens a second year in a row. This is simply cruel and shows no compassion, support or understanding of youth and their cultural needs.”
Mr Johnson represents the Granite Belt Music Council which works “for youth engagement, cultural mentorship, suicide prevention, community well-being, community vibrancy, tourism”.
He has submitted a model to the House of Representatives about designated entertainment zones, a review of the live music industry in Australia. Festivals are falling over because of insurance.
“Music councils are the way to go and they can be in partnership with local governments," he said.
