NSW parliamentary inquiry in to music and arts stops in Tamworth

Inquiry chair Paul Green said the city was synonymous with live music, but there were always opportunities to strength the local industry.

“In Tamworth’s case, we’ve got to take the bull by the horns and makes sure it stays the country music capital of Australia,” Mr Green said.

“We took evidence today that Queensland wants to take that away. So we need to watch out backs and continually improve what’s already here.”

DAG Sheep Station owner John Krsulja said he’d love to see a state government campaign, encouraging people of all ages to revitalise their love of live music.

“Venues have to generate income through live music, and there is a lot of expenses involved,” Mr Krsulja said.

“It would be great to get government support in audience development, through collaborative marketing campaigns.”

Mr Green said the state government did have to do some of the “heavy lifting” to continue growing the live music industry.

“We know there are jobs to be created, we can see them, so let’s not short sheet the budget when it comes to the music industry,” Mr Green said.

Tamworth Songwriters Association spokeswoman Carolyn Morris said outside of the country music festival, the local music industry was “fragmented”. She dreams of developing industry hub in Tamworth – a one-stop-shop for musicians.”

“In Sydney we have hot desking, in the mining areas we have hot beds, why not have hot studios in regional areas?,” Mr Green asked.

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