ABOUT 350 music-lovers have taken the first step to revive Cairns' flagging live music scene, turning out to support the city's first dedicated lobby group. 

Supporters of PALM (People Advocating Live Music) crammed into the Hilton Hotel's Six Degrees bar on Wednesday night for the launch of the community group and learn of its plan to set up a Fortitude Valley-style entertainment precinct in Cairns.

Barron River MP Steve Wettenhall, himself a part-time muso, urged candidates for the new Cairns Regional Council to commit to an entertainment precinct. Such a precinct would be designed to ensure live music could co-exist with inner city living.

"Not only will this be great for locals, but you never know, the tourists who are the sightseers of today might become the soundseekers of tomorrow," Mr Wettenhall said.

He also announced the first round of consultation on Arts Queensland's new contemporary music strategy would begin in Cairns in late March in recognition of the pro-active stance adopted by local musicians.

PALM founder Ray Elias said the group was developing a database of live music-lovers and would keep them informed about which venues to support.
He said the local music industry’s support for the launch was positive.

Share this article