St Kilda is stepping into the spotlight as Victoria's first ever designated live music precinct.
The City of Port Phillip on Friday announced it officially declared the area a live music precinct, making it the first council in the state to take up the designation.
The declaration won't result in immediate change, but defines St Kilda as an area where live music is a "priority activity", meaning planning processes and regulations should account for that.
The council has come up with a potential map for the live music precinct encapsulating Beaconsfield Parade, Fitzroy Street, The Esplanade, Jacka Boulevard, Cavell Street and Barkly Street.
It has to work with the Victorian government to fine-tune the plan and wants to cut down on red tape for live music venues to make it a success.
“St Kilda’s status as Victoria’s first (live music precinct) reflects our famous suburb’s past as a much-loved live music hub, its present as a renowned live music destination and its future as a ground-breaking example of how to keep live music alive close to homes and businesses," Port Phillip Council Mayor Heather Cunsolo said.
"Making it simpler for residents to raise concerns such as noise complaints, supporting musicians and music events and slashing red tape for venues are all ways our council can be a live music ‘one stop shop’."
The live music precinct declaration was about creating harmony rather than increasing noise in the area, she said.
NSW and Queensland already have designated live music precincts, otherwise known as special entertainment precincts - most notably at Fortitude Valley in Brisbane.
The Port Phillip council is pushing for the entire St Kilda live music precinct area to be covered by the "agent of change" principle, instead of just individual venues.
The principle means anyone who applies to build, demolish or change a music venue or to construct a noise-sensitive property has to take the impact on live music into consideration.
The council will consult with the community about what the live music precinct declaration means for residents.
Hunters and Collectors frontman Mark Seymour was among artists expected to perform at the council's launch of the live music precinct on Friday.
The Victorian government in 2020 allowed councils to designate live music precincts.
