Sustainability & Environment · Indicator 2
Public support for environmental sustainability
What this indicator asks
Does Sydney’s environmental policy name nightlife as a target, and can venues and events get practical help to become more sustainable?
66.0/ 100 · Sydney
The state’s live music venue grant pays for energy works. Sound NSW Venue Upgrade Grants give up to A$150,000 to dedicated live music venues. In the 2025/26 round, three of the 21 funded projects were for energy efficiency or solar power.
Venues can get up to A$20,000 for an energy audit. Green Music Australia certified nine NSW venues in its 2025 pilot. Its report says a venue could save about A$10,000 a year.
The help is voluntary, and no environmental scheme names nighttime culture.
We looked at five areas: whether nightlife is named as a target; whether practical help exists; whether the sector uses it; the general environmental policy the sector falls under; and recent steps in the right direction.