Decision details

Moved by Councillor Arkins, seconded by Councillor Miller –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         fbi radio is an independent, not-for-profit community radio station that has championed Sydney’s emerging and independent music, arts and culture for more than 2 decades

(ii)        fbi radio commenced full-time broadcasting on 94.5FM in August 2003 and has operated from its studios at 44–54 Botany Road, Alexandria since that time

(iii)      fbi radio has played a unique role in Sydney’s cultural life by providing a platform for emerging artists, musicians, broadcasters and creatives, particularly those who may otherwise struggle to gain exposure through commercial media

(iv)      the station maintains a strong commitment to local music, with 50% of music played being Australian and half of that coming from Sydney artists

(v)       fbi radio supports more than 500 volunteers and emerging creatives each year, providing opportunities to develop skills and pathways in broadcasting, media and the creative industries

(vi)      access to affordable and secure space is an increasing challenge for cultural and creative organisations across inner Sydney, particularly organisations that require specialised facilities and cannot simply relocate into conventional commercial office space

(vii)     after more than 2 decades at its current premises, fbi radio is seeking to secure a new long-term home from which it can continue broadcasting and supporting Sydney’s music, arts and cultural communities

(viii)    retaining organisations such as fbi radio within the City of Sydney is important to maintaining the cultural infrastructure that underpins Sydney’s live music, nightlife and creative economy

(ix)      the City has a longstanding role in supporting cultural organisations through its property portfolio, grants programs, planning policies and partnerships with other levels of government and the private sector

(B)      Council further note that fbi radio is an important part of Sydney’s cultural identity and that securing an appropriate, affordable and long-term home for the station would help ensure it can continue serving Sydney’s music and creative communities for decades to come

(C)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         meet with representatives of fbi radio to understand its future accommodation requirements and the appropriateness of their current premises

(ii)        provide fbi radio with information about the City’s accommodation grants program and add fbi radio to the accommodation grants mailing list so they are notified of any expression of interest opportunities in the City of Sydney

(iii)      provide an update to Council on this work via the CEO Update.

Carried unanimously.

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