Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         the NSW Government has introduced special entertainment precincts to provide a different way for councils to manage amplified noise from licensed premises;

(ii)        the introduction of the precincts aims to revive live music and entertainment, activate local businesses and the night time economy, creating more places for the community to enjoy; 

(iii)       venues within the precinct are encouraged to provide live entertainment and will have an extension on both their trading hours and outdoor dining as an incentive to prioritise arts and culture over pokies;

(iv)       a special entertainment precinct is a defined area where sound from licenced venues with amplified music is managed by a council through its noise management plan. This lets councils more easily support live music and performance in the precinct;

(v)        any requirements on amplified music that would normally be in place under the NSW Liquor Act 2007 will not apply in the precincts, including any licence conditions on amplified music;

(vi)       a council identifies a precinct by amending its local environmental plan and publishing the noise management plan on their website. A precinct may be a single venue, streetscape or other defined area;

(vii)      in late 2022, the Inner West council trialled the special entertainment precinct concept in a section of Enmore Road from Edgeware Road to King Street;

(viii)    one owner within the precinct stated, "We hired more artists, and with great live bands, drag shows and comedies free of charge, our bar has been ever more popular among punters. This trial has been a win for all”;

(ix)       the Inner West Council has just voted unanimously at its latest meeting on 15 March 2023, to make the precinct permanent;

(x)        a report released by the council showed that 100 per cent of Enmore Road businesses that completed its survey about the precinct classification were in favour of it coming on full-time, while 91.3 per cent of visitors indicated support and 63 per cent of local residents were in favour;

(xi)       Councillor Scott has advocated for a special precinct around the Metro Theatre on George Street as a key to unlocking Sydney’s creative and entertainment spaces; and

(xii)      former Councillor Scully said an area around York, Clarence and Kent streets in the CBD would be ideal spot to pilot such a precinct as it had already demonstrated a sophisticated new nightlife offering; and

(B)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to prepare a proposal for Council to consider a special entertainment precinct in the City of Sydney.

Amendment. Moved by Councillor Chan, seconded by Councillor Kok –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         the NSW Government has introduced special entertainment precincts which:

(a)        enable Councils to manage amplified sound through precinct noise management plans; and

(b)        encourage live music and entertainment through incentives such as trading hour extensions and outdoor dining; and

(ii)        action by the City will deliver the benefits of special entertainment precincts, but with greater flexibility, through:

(a)        the City’s Late Night Trading Development Control Plan providing one additional trading hour to dedicated performance venues and venues on nights they host performance, creative and cultural uses; and

(b)        finalisation and implementation of the City’s draft Entertainment Sound Management Development Control Plan; and

(B)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to investigate a proposal for Council to consider a special entertainment precinct in the City of Sydney.

The amendment was carried on the following show of hands –

Ayes (8)           The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Chan, Davis, Ellsmore, Gannon, Jarrett, Kok and Worling

Noes (2)          Councillors Scott and Weldon.

Amendment carried.

The amended motion was carried unanimously.

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