Council slashes fees to activate much-anticipated Special Entertainment Precinct

Andrea Kirwin has been leading the charge for the music industry and is relieved to see progress being made on the Special Entertainment Precinct.

Sunshine Coast Council will make it easier and more cost effective for theatres, bars, nightclubs or hotel traders to establish in the Nambour Special Entertainment Precinct, slashing development application fees by 50% to incentivise new business start-ups.

“Council wants the Nambour Special Entertainment Precinct to become the best it can be and providing this type of incentive to encourage new entertainment-related investment in this area is one of the ways we are supporting this outcome,” Cr Law said.

“The Material Change of Use fee incentives will provide financial assistance for local businesses and community groups establishing in the precinct, which is only the second of its kind in Queensland, the first being in James Street, Fortitude Valley.

“It will provide venues with greater certainty about where and how they can operate including the relevant noise levels.

“It has been a tough couple of years for the entertainment industry, and we are committed to continue encouraging and providing assistance to the industry on the Sunshine Coast.”

Infrastructure charges for development within targeted Nambour areas continue to be discounted by half to increase demand and create long-term employment in the area.

Cr Law said council’s infill development incentives, which reduce infrastructure charges, had been extended by three years to June 2025 and covered targeted areas in both Nambour and Caloundra.

“The total amount of all infill incentive approvals is limited to a maximum of $10 million overall, so individual incentives will be granted on a first in, first served basis,” Cr Law said.

“I encourage potential applicants to contact council to understand the criteria and explore payment options.”

Focus on Entertainment scene

Peace Run Records event organiser and Nambour local Andrea Kirwin said she was excited to program more events and be part of growing Nambour’s entertainment scene into the future. 

“We have some great shows lined up in Nambour and consistent activation is what is going to make Nambour into a key destination for live music,” Miss Kirwin said.

“We’ve watched the Nambour Forecourt Live events grow in attendance over the past year, and our boutique music events on Queen Street and Black Box Theatre are also gaining traction as people realise there’s things happening in our town.  

 “I love supporting and promoting independent artists, programming fun community live music events, boutique Festivals and hosting intimate live music experiences in Nambour – and there are more exciting shows coming!

 “We want to see Nambour transform itself into a vibrant music and cultural centre.”