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 vibrant, safe, and uniquely Queensland nightlife experiences that support thriving communities, local businesses, live music and artists.

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 41 recommendations. The government notes a further 9 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 themes:

  • Making it easier for nightlife businesses to thrive
    Reducing unnecessary red tape and modernising regulation to support business confidence and vibrancy without compromising safety.
  • Backing live music and cultural experiences
    Supporting local artists, live music venues and cultural experiences across Queensland.
  • Activating local nightlife precincts
    Supporting councils and communities to deliver vibrant, safe and distinctive nightlife precincts.
  • Supporting a safe night for everyone
    Retaining the existing Safe Night Precinct framework and promoting safer, inclusive and accessible nightlife experiences for Queenslanders and visitors.
  • Building a stronger nightlife economy
    Strengthening long-term industry collaboration and stewardship.

Key actions

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

Key initiatives include:

  • entertainment sound reforms to modernise 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 artists to showcase Queensland talent, giving emerging musicians valuable exposure and showcasing local talent to new audiences
  • expanding Queensland on Tour to bring vibrant experiences and support regional businesses with more live music coming to more venues and audiences across the state
  • a Nightlife Precinct Activation Program to support councils to deliver streetscape, placemaking and public realm improvements
  • Safe speed limits in nightlife zones by supporting councils wishing to review and implement speed limit changes.

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.