The Triffid Fights Against New Development, Says Venue Would Be ‘Adversely Affected’

Brisbane live music staple The Triffid is fighting a new residential and commercial development in Newstead, citing concerns that the venue will be “adversely affected” by the proposed $1.5bn complex.

The Triffid, co-owned by former Powderfinger bassist John Collins - who is also Queensland’s nightlife commissioner - has lodged an appeal against the approval of Panettiere Developments' “Little Italy” project, set to be built on the same street as the venue.

With the triple tower complex already gaining approval from Brisbane City Council back in October, The Triffid has enlisted the support of law firm Connor O'Meara to challenge the authorization in Queensland's Planning and Environment Court.

The submitted appeal essentially argues that, due to an insufficient noise impact assessment, residents of the towers will make increased noise complaints, thus causing The Triffid to be “adversely affected”.

“The deficient noise assessment undertaken for the Development Application means that the proposed development has failed to properly reduce the intrusion of amplified music from both existing and future venues operating on the First Appellant's [Hutchinson Builders'] land,” the application read.

“As a result of the deficient noise assessment undertaken for the development application, the development does not ensure that bedrooms and living rooms are designed, located and constructed to protect occupants from amplified music noise.”

As such, the appeal argues, this will lead to an uptick in “ongoing complaints about noise.”

With The Triffid on the outskirts of the Fortitude Valley Entertainment Precinct - which has different noise and planning laws to encourage Brisbane's night-time economy - this legal battle could set a precedent for future interpretations of live music planning laws.

A date is yet to be set for the hearing.

Just last month, The Triffid celebrated its tenth birthday, with five full days of live music events.