Labor wants better entertainment support in the Hunter

"Venues will not just survive, but will thrive," opposition spokesperson for music and the night time economy John Graham said today.

Labor will create the entertainment precinct in a bid to protect the city's iconic venues, if elected.The City of Newcastle will determine the exact location of the precinct.

The council will determine acceptable noise levels from buildings in the precinct. Noise levels are currently governed by the Liquor Act.

Labor's Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, said this was "welcome news here in Newcastle".

"There are seven different government agencies you can complain to about noise. Now, that is way too much red tape," he said. "It's inefficient in terms of regulation ... an entertainment precinct will certainly help with that."

It is unclear exactly what the proposal would mean for residents in the entertainment precincts. Mr Graham said Labor will continue to work with the council to find a suitable "balance".

"[We want to] manage the conflict between residents and venues and make sure that it isn't a practical problem," he said.

A special entertainment precinct trial is in place along Sydney's Enmore Road. It is set to end in July this year.

Labor has also promised to support young performers, vowing to reform music education across the state.

The party aims to survey primary schools to see "what is going on on the ground at the moment", before initiating a parliamentary inquiry into music education to determine how it can be better implemented, Mr Graham said.

"[We want] to put music education at the heart of our education system," he said. "That of course is the goal we're aiming for."

IN THE NEWS:

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Join the discussion in the comment section below.