Ted O’Brien on tour this week: taking the ‘Save Our Venues’ campaign to the community

Ted O’Brien MP, Federal Member for Fairfax, is touring the Sunshine Coast’s hospitality sector this week as part of his ‘Save Our Venues’ campaign. Mr. O’Brien will be visiting 20 businesses this week to kick off the consultation. 

The collapse of iconic Sunshine Coast venues has raised serious concerns about the future of the region’s live music, entertainment and hospitality scene, prompting Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien MP to launch a new community campaign, Save Our Venues, as he travels across the electorate this week. 

More than 41,000 Australian businesses have collapsed over the past four years, with last year recording the highest insolvencies on record — highlighting the growing pressure on small businesses. 

Recent closures, including Solbar and The Station, have sent shockwaves through the Coast, underscoring rising costs, shrinking margins and increasing red tape. 

“A thriving hospitality and music scene is about more than venues – it is the culture of the Coast,” Mr O’Brien said. 

“When venues close, we lose jobs, places to meet and make memories, and part of what makes our region vibrant. These closures are a warning sign that operators are under real pressure.” 

Mr O’Brien is undertaking a listening tour this week, visiting cafes, bars and pubs to hear directly from venue owners, workers and patrons. 

The tour forms part of a month-long consultation, including an online survey to capture community feedback. 

“I encourage venue owners, workers and locals to share their experiences so we can better understand what’s happening on the ground,” Mr O’Brien said. 

“This campaign is about bringing the community together and fighting for the changes needed to protect our local venues.” 

Venue owners, hospitality workers and patrons can take part at tedobrien.com.au/local-campaigns/save-our-local-venues.   

The survey closes 24 April 2026.