The popular Dusty Attic Music Lounge is closing up "unfortunately due to powers outside of my own," said co-owner Kate Stroud, who had established herself as a mainstay of the Lismore music scene.

"Without the support of an innovative planning team within our council, without realistic rental and rate prices (we pay 10k in rates a year) and all the other seemingly unnecessary hands reaching into the pockets of small business owners, doors will continue to shut in our beautiful town," said Stroud on the business' Facebook page.

"The system to me, seems broken and these old models don’t align with the contemporary business landscape. A four year battle got us a year and 1/2 of magic .… a little glimpse of what we could have should the system have a reality check and stop choking small business. For now I choose to not participate in this as I believe there is a much better way.

"So let's celebrate the positives. We created 14 jobs. We supported only local growers and food artisans. We produced over 170 gigs .… We survived a natural disaster. I secured funding that injected 40k into the pockets of NSW musicians and industry professionals. We made it one time round the sun despite all odds. Most importantly, we made the safe and inclusive space that celebrated creative outcomes, fostering community that I have always dreamed of."

SUNDAY PROFILE: Dusty Attic's Kate Stroud

Stroud, who will close after the APTS (Apartments) concert at the Dusty Attic Music Lounge on Saturday, 1 February.

"I have been told that the proposed warehouse expansion will never be approved due to ‘Fire Safety Concerns’. Council also estimated contribution fees between $32k and $96k which is not a realistic cost for us to carry. Given there is no prospect of increasing our capacity and scaling our business, I have no choice but to close the doors to prevent any further loss."

Stroud said she would continue to advocate for the Arts in Lismore through her partnership with NORPA.

She added: "Time to re-imagine and welcome in the new chapter. Its been such a wild and colourful ride. Who knows what’s next… how bloody excitement!

"This isn’t a sad moment, it’s the transition to the new .... Let’s celebrate all that has been so magic about this chapter."