BRISBANE MAKES ROOM FOR TWO MORE STARS

THE state has thrown its support behind plans to increase the number of concerts held at Suncorp Stadium from four to six a year.

Following an eight-week public consultation process, the community voted in favour of hosting more events to boost the local economy.

About 4300 people completed the online survey, with more than 83 per cent of respondents selecting agree or strongly agree.

Acting Premier Curtis Pitt says the clear outcome is Queenslanders want to see more international performers visit the city.

"By working together with the local community we can deliver six events each year and more opportunities for local tourism and local businesses which support these major events," Pitt says.

"We want to see more international performers and headline acts coming to Brisbane."

Pitt says 73 per cent of local residents from Milton, Paddington, Toowong, Mount Coot-tha, Auchenflower, Bardon and CBD voted to increase concerts as part of community consultations.

Minister for Sport and Racing Bill Byrne says the Queensland Government will now work with residents and businesses in surrounding suburbs to minimise disruption.

"When I launched the public consultation exercise in April I said hosting stars like U2, Foo Fighters and Taylor Swift helped to raise Brisbane's international profile and brought significant economic benefits," Byrne says.

"It is now clear that Queenslanders not only agree with that, but they think the Suncorp Stadium is a great venue for live music with almost 80 per cent of respondents saying that attending a concert at Suncorp Stadium enhanced the entertainment experience."

Byrne says demand by promoters saw the cap reached for the first time since it was imposed in 2006, after having to turn down an AC/DC gig at the venue.

Stadiums Queensland and other stakeholders will be consulted to ensure the new cap is in place for 2016.

Photo credit: Ben Watts