Across Australia, the live music sector and local and state governments in important locations have been investigating and preparing strategic plans to better support live music and performance.

In 2014 the cities of Sydney, Wollongong, Melbourne and Adelaide have all tabled live music plans and strategies, as have the metropolitan Sydney Councils of Leichhardt and Marrickville. South Australia and the ACT have undertaken state-wide reviews of live music issues in recent years, and other cities such as Geelong are preparing city plans which have important aspects to create a more nurturing environment for venues and artists.

The Live Music Taskforces from the City of Sydney and Wollongong as well as the City of Melbourne processes are very effective processes to be developing cultural policy. These forums have brought musicians, venues, cultural, planning and compliance staff from local government as well as other important players in the live music ecosystem to identify common issues and work together to align the roles that each plays in building creative communities. Action plans delivered to council and endorsed then become city policy as relationships are built across the sector, and shorter term initiatives are commenced whilst longer term actions such as law reform gather evidence and momentum.

The attached document Live Music Strategies and Taskforce Plans tables the actions and recommendations from these recent intiatives as well as links to the various associated documents such as terms of reference, action plans, research, and background papers.