The Queensland government has announced a new round of economic support for the state’s live music industry, which one popular Sunshine Coast venue operator described as being “on its knees” due to COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions. Australia’s live music industry and the arts sector has been among the hardest hit by various state government pandemic response measures, but Queensland Arts Minister Leanne Enoch said that her state was committed to helping sustain the sector until things get better. “Live music venues play a vital role in creating jobs and opportunities for artists, technicians, venue staff, and related small businesses, and this nearly $1 million investment acknowledges that, with more outcomes to be known in the coming weeks,” Enoch said in a media release on Aug. 13. Enoch said the Queensland government had worked closely with the live music sector, including peak body, QMusic, and had already provided $1.8 million for …