The State Labor Party has promised a more vibrant night life for the Central Coast if elected to government in March.
A Labor Government would extend the 24-hour Economy Strategy to cover the six cities, bringing the Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong into the plan.
The 24-hour Economy Commissioner would lead a coordinated and collaborative effort with local councils, communities, industry and creatives in the regions to build a strong and vibrant night time economy prioritising live music and entertainment.
The Government would also give the 24-hour Economy Commission more powers to drive the agenda, and convert the role into a permanent statutory appointment, protecting the role in the law.
Central Coast Labor MPs announced the move at Gosford’s Drifters Wharf on February 17, committing to work with local government and venues to create a special entertainment precinct in the region.
Shadow Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said the state had lost hundreds of venues over the past 12 years.
“This is just as true on the Central Coast as it is in Sydney,” he said.
“The Central Coast already has a vibrant live music and entertainment culture; we need to do everything we can to support and grow our creative community.”
Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said the policy would help grow the Coast’s local music scene and provide opportunities for Coasties to showcase their talent and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the region needs additional support to see its night time economy thrive.
Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy and Shadow Minister for the Arts John Graham said the state’s after dark economy was slowly recovering after COVID lockdowns.
“There are some promising signs for hospitality, but music, arts and performance are still struggling,” he said.”
“The first priority will be to tackle the grassroots venue crisis across the state – the loss of music, performance and theatre venues.”
Source: Media release, Feb 17, 2023, NSW Labor