Red tape stifles live music venue dreams

Phil Turvey and Justine Hemmings just want to get going: “Everyone is negotiating on our behalf and on behalf of other venues in town to try and make this happen. It’s just crazy.”

A couple’s dream of helping to breathe new life into Nambour CBD by launching a major live entertainment venue and bar is in limbo due to  onerous regulations. 

Phil Turvey and Justine Hemmings want to open Big Audio Live in the old Bi-Rite store — a 1200 square metre building that has stood empty for 5 years. 

Phil and Justine are passionate about re-energising the building under Nambour CBD’s Special Entertainment Precinct status — designation which, ironically, promised to streamline the approval process.

And, while confident of a successful outcome the frustration is growing, along with the expenses.

“The rezoning of this part of the CBD to Special Entertainment Precinct was like an invitation to us, and to like-minded businesses, to invest our time, money and talents to create a vibrant night-time scene focussed on moving Nambour’s economy and image forward in a positive direction,” said Phil. 

“It’s now 12 months since the rezoning to SEP and there are still no guides or designated council staff appointed with the knowledge needed to move us and other entertainment projects forward.”

Still, Phil said Council’s slow-moving bureaucracy had given every indication it was hopeful of a positive outcome. 

Thankfully Phil and Justine said there was hope after a series of meetings last week: “Council agreed the Nambour entertainment precinct needs urgent action and we are hoping they stick to their word to get it up and going,” said Phil. “Time will tell. We are trying to stay positive.”

 “This is what we do,” said Justine. “This is our vision.  It’s been a tumultuous journey to say the least. A year ago we thought we’d be open before Christmas. But we’re still here. The pressure is on Council.”

Phil has a lifetime of experience in the music  and entertainment industry as a sound engineer and cable manufacturer. 

His current business, Big Audio, has been selling cables and connectors  to the industry for the past ten years, allowing Phil to develop strong industry relationships.

He says he has a long line of musicians  ready to showcase their talent at the Nambour venue.  

He moved his cable business to the site because he could see the building’s potential. 

“We designed a purpose-built  venue  with three stages, a  bar and a beer garden as a go-to place to play live music,” he said. 

“Fronting Bury Street is perfect. There’s ample night-time parking immediately opposite in the Council car park which is empty from 5pm weekdays and throughout the weekend.

“We’ve had Peter Boyce and Kerry Brown from Reimagine Nambour behind us. (Division 10) Cr David Law is doing everything he can. And (local musician) Andrea Kerwin has been a real help as well. 

“Everyone is negotiating on our behalf and on behalf of other venues in town to try and make this happen. It’s just crazy.”