Labor cops music blast

NEWS

The Bligh Labor Government’s refusal to even consider a ‘New Festival Hall’ shows they are deaf to the wishes of Brisbane’s music lovers, the LNP says.

State Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek called for feedback on a proposal to build a new indoor, inner city music and entertainment venue to “fill the hole in Brisbane’s entertainment heart”’.
Mr Langbroek said he was disappointed the Bligh Labor Government was being so negative and was so quick to dismiss the idea. “It is clear Brisbane people want an inner city venue to see the world’s best bands and the concept of a new Festival Hall would add to Brisbane’s ‘new world city’ vibe,” he said.
“If Acting Sports Minister Karen Struthers had been to the Q Song Awards and the Bigsound showcase performances like I have, she would know how much Brisbane music fans lament the loss of the old Festival hall.
“Since the demolition of Festival Hall in 2003, Brisbane hasn’t had a music venue in the heart of the city with a reasonable capacity for world class acts.”
Mr Langbroek said while Riverstage was hosting some great concerts, it was an outdoor venue and there was no guarantee fans wouldn’t be caught out by bad weather, as Powderfinger fans recently discovered.
“It’s great to see Powderfinger’s manager Paul Piticco supporting the idea of a new inner city venue and I hope we hear from more musical identities and the fans themselves about what they want,” he said.
“The reality is the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall is 25 years old and while it has served Brisbane well, it will have to be replaced at some point. “Everyone wants to see the best bands in the heart of the city with the option of going out to a nice restaurant beforehand or to pubs and clubs afterwards.
“Building a New Festival Hall is something the LNP is looking at very carefully, and we want to hear what the people of Brisbane think.”