Wollongong may be among the cities to host a star-studded music festival next year, as the promoters have launched an ambitious proposal to ensure the tour goes ahead.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However, local rock fans would have to submit to temperature checks and obey strict social distancing measures at the gig.
The Under The Southern Stars (UTSS) rock music festival series, featuring international acts Live, Bush and Stone Temple Pilots recently announced the postponed April national tour would move to February 2021.
The Wollongong show is scheduled to take place on February 26 at Stuart Park.
In a recent plan dubbed the 'COVID-Safe Road Map', UTSS has said it is willing to be the "test case" for international touring to resume from February 2021.
UTSS promoter Andrew McManus has teamed with Geoff Jones, of touring giant TEG Live, to ask the federal government to use the festival as the "test case" for future live music events.
Mr McManus and Mr Jones are reportedly lobbying the likes of Prime Minster Scott Morrison and Health Minister Greg Hunt to support their 'Australian Live Music And Music Festival COVID Safe Plan'.
The plan includes:
*All three acts travelling with essential band members only, and two support staff, and being COVID tested before leaving Los Angeles for Australia.
*A second COVID test after arriving in Australia.
*The bands being quarantined at an isolated compound with a rehearsal studio, for 14 days.
*Hiring Australian tour crew to replace the band's usual touring team.
*Segregated sections on flights and '"military style" transfers between Australian cities for the bands and crew.
*Locked hotel floors for band and crew.
*Punters must download the COVID-Safe app to attend the show.
*Temperature checks and strict social distancing measures at the gig.
*Shows will be capped at 70 per cent of total capacity.
A spokesperson for the Minister for Health Greg Hunt said on June 26, the National Cabinet asked for the development of a roadmap for re-opening arts and entertainment venues, in particular to enable planning for productions to commence.
"The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee is currently considering very high risk environments such as night clubs, dance venues, and festivals (e.g. music, food, carnivals) and will provide advice to National Cabinet," the spokesperson said.
"In later steps, states and territories may allow all large venues to admit larger crowds provided there is no evidence of community transmission, the event is seated and ticketed, physical distancing and other public health measures are maintained, and all public health risks are managed."
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
