The collapse of iconic Sunshine Coast venues has raised serious concerns about the future of the region’s live music, entertainment and hospitality scene, prompting Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien MP to launch a new community campaign, ‘Save Our Venues’.
Recent closures, including Solbar and The Station, have sent shockwaves through the Coast’s music and hospitality sector, highlighting mounting financial and regulatory pressures facing local businesses.
Mr O’Brien said the loss of local venues was devastating, with impacts that extend well beyond the businesses themselves.
“A thriving hospitality, entertainment and music scene is about far more than a few bars and stages – it is part of what gives the Sunshine Coast its unique cultural identity,” Mr O’Brien said.
“When venues close, we lose jobs, we lose opportunities for local patrons, musicians and performers alike and we lose part of what makes the Sunshine Coast such a vibrant place to live and visit.”
“These closures are a warning sign that something is wrong. Many operators are telling me they are under enormous pressure from rising costs, shrinking margins and growing red tape.”
As part of Save Our Venues, Mr O’Brien has launched a month-long community consultation, including a short online survey and a series of in-person visits to venues across the Sunshine Coast.
As part of his Autumn Road Trip around the electorate, Mr O’Brien will visit cafes, bars and pubs to speak directly with venue owners, workers and patrons about the challenges facing the sector.
“That’s why I’m launching Save Our Venues – to get out across the Sunshine Coast, visit local venues and hear directly from the people running them,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I’m encouraging venue owners, workers and locals to fill out the survey and share their experiences so we can better understand what’s happening on the ground.”
The consultation will help build a clearer picture of the pressures facing local venues and inform a community-led response, bringing together industry and community voices to identify practical solutions.
Mr O’Brien said the challenges facing local venues reflect broader pressures on small businesses across Australia.
“Across the country, small businesses are under extraordinary pressure,” he said.
“Over the past four years more than 41,000 businesses have collapsed, with last year recording the highest number of insolvencies in Australia’s history, and this year is on track to be even worse.”
“When small businesses are pushed to the brink, hospitality venues are often the first to feel the pain.”
Mr O’Brien said the Save Our Venues campaign is ultimately about giving the community a voice and driving real action.
“We cannot afford to sit back and watch the Sunshine Coast’s live music and entertainment scene disappear,” he said.
“This campaign is about bringing the community together, shining a light on the pressures facing the sector and fighting for the changes needed to protect it.”
Venue owners, hospitality workers and patrons are encouraged to take part by completing the survey at tedobrien.com.au/local-campaigns/save-our-local-venues
The survey will remain open until 24 April 2026.
ENDS
