The Victorian Live Music program supported by Creative Victoria has announced 106 live music venues across the state will share in the first tranche of the program to strengthen Victoria's $1.7 billion music sector.

Hotel Warrnambool publican Steve Philpot was delighted to welcome live music back to his venue on Sunday with the Louie Clancey Band playing to a full capacity audience of 50 with the $10 ticket cost going back to the three-piece band.

"The grant is a rescue package for live music," Mr Philpot said.

"We qualified for the grant which was sensational and we're stoked to receive the funds.

"The money will go to the operation of the business and it's a real lifeline for us."

Mr Philpot said music was a key component in enticing clients and the overall success of Hotel Warrnambool.

"It's part of the recipe; we're a food, beverage and live music venue and they compliment each other," he said. "Live music brings a lot of people together.

"Musicians have been doing it tough, especially the people who rely on this as their first employment. It's tough for all industries.

"We're committed to help everyone get out and get the local economy clicking again."

The Victorian Music Industry Recovery program offers grants between $4000 and $50,000 to support artists, managers, promoters, bookers, road crew and other workers to keep creating new music, undertake professional and business development activities and develop new COVIDSafe ways of working.

The Dart and Marlin owner David de Carteret said the the grant would help the venue grow post the pandemic.

"We're thrilled to have been backed by the program to support and showcase Warrnambool's vibrant, talented local musicians and creatives," he said.

"We're really grateful for this and other efforts to support industries like ours rebuild and recover from the pandemic.

"We're excited to get going with all appropriate measures in place to keep our community safe."

The Victorian Live Music program will further protect Victoria's live music venues through proposed new permanent planning controls.

The controls will allow councils to identify significant live music precincts and consider the social, economic and cultural importance of live music venues as they make decisions on local planning permits.

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