Queensland Nightlife Economy Action Plan 2026–2032

Our plan to create a vibrant, safe, inclusive and globally recognised nightlife economy

The Queensland Nightlife Economy Action Plan 2026–2032 is the Queensland Government’s response to Moonside: The Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner’s Report 2026.

The action plan outlines our vision for a vibrant, safe, inclusive and globally recognised nightlife economy.

Queensland’s nightlife economy supports local jobs, live music, tourism, hospitality and cultural experiences. It also helps create vibrant precincts and communities where people want to live, work and visit.

The action plan aims to deliver more and better nightlife experiences across Queensland as the state prepares to welcome the world for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Download the Queensland Nightlife Economy Action Plan 2026–2032 (PDF, 1650.31 KB)

Moonside: the Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner’s Report 2026

The action plan is the Queensland Government’s response to Moonside: the Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner’s Report 2026.

To inform the independent report, the Night-Life Economy Commissioner met with nightlife businesses, artists, local councils, community groups, government agencies and other stakeholders.

The report presents a range of perspectives and priorities from across the sector. It makes 62 recommendations under 3 key pillars:

  • vibrancy
  • safety
  • business-friendly reforms.

The Queensland Government has supported, supported in-principle or supported in-part 39 recommendations. The government notes a further 11 recommendations. The first deliverables are expected by the end of 2026.

This recognises the Queensland Government’s support for continued advocacy and work by the Night-Life Economy Commissioner, as well as the important role of industry, businesses and councils in creating a vibrant and safe nightlife sector.

Our priorities

The action plan focuses on 5 priority areas:

  • Making it easier for nightlife businesses to thrive
    We will explore practical reforms that reduce unnecessary barriers and make it easier for nightlife businesses and grassroots venues to operate, grow and host live entertainment.
  • Backing live music and cultural experiences
    We will create more opportunities for Queensland artists, strengthen touring pathways and support live music and cultural experiences throughout the state.
  • Activating local nightlife precincts
    We will work with councils and communities to improve nightlife precincts and create vibrant, accessible and welcoming places.
  • Supporting a safe night for everyone
    We will support nightlife experiences and precincts that are safe, inclusive and accessible for patrons, workers, residents and visitors.
  • Building a stronger nightlife economy
    We will improve industry collaboration and stewardship to support the long-term growth of Queensland’s nightlife economy.

Key actions

The action plan includes immediate and longer-term initiatives to strengthen Queensland’s nightlife economy.

Key actions include:

  • establishing a Nightlife Precinct Activation Program to help councils deliver streetscape, placemaking and public realm improvements that enhance the vibrancy, accessibility, connectivity and safety of nightlife precincts
  • modernising entertainment sound regulation to provide greater clarity, consistency and certainty for venues and communities, while supporting vibrant precincts and economic growth
  • a ‘Homegrown’ policy, to encourage major touring acts to showcase Queensland artists at major live music events
  • expanding Queensland on Tour to strengthen touring pathways, increase regional live music opportunities and help attract more national and international touring acts across Queensland
  • working on practical licensing reforms to make it easier and more financially viable for grassroots venues to host live music
  • supporting councils that want to review and implement local speed limit changes
  • developing a Nightlife Playbook to help councils develop and manage their nightlife economies.

Working together

The Night-Life Economy Commissioner is a central point of contact for nightlife stakeholders, including businesses, councils, community groups and government agencies.

The Commissioner will continue working with stakeholders to address challenges, identify opportunities and support a collaborative approach to strengthening Queensland’s nightlife economy.

Supporting Queensland’s future

The action plan complements other Queensland Government strategies and responses, including:

Together, these initiatives will support a stronger nightlife economy and help Queensland offer vibrant, safe and memorable experiences in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

More information

Learn more about the Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner.