Community information sessions will commence next week about proposed reforms to create special entertainment precincts, starting with Perth’s nightlife centre of Northbridge.
The reforms are designed to balance the needs of entertainment venues, other businesses and residents in premier entertainment areas, and include a draft Western Australian Planning Commission position statement and proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.
The City of Perth is also looking to establish Northbridge as a special entertainment precinct through a local planning scheme amendment.
Northbridge residents and businesses – including live music and entertainment venue operators, and anyone with an interest in the State’s music and nightlife industry – should register to attend a session and learn more about the proposed changes.
Registrations should be emailed to [email protected]
To have your say, visit https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/special-entertainment-precincts or https://consult.dwer.wa.gov.au/
The draft planning policy and proposed changes to environmental legislation are open for public comment until February 14, 2020.
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
“It is exciting to reach this stage of planning reform and to have a draft proposal for special entertainment precincts that venue operators, residents and business owners can consider.
“We know we want to give Northbridge special consideration and we need the community’s input to ensure we strike the right balance and help support Western Australia’s music industry.”
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“A growing city requires a sensitive balance between the needs of residents, businesses and the wider community.
“These environmental reforms will improve the way noise in entertainment precincts is managed, giving certainty for entertainment businesses and better protection for new residents.”
As stated by Perth MLA John Carey:
“This is an important planning reform and criticial to ensuring a vibrant city: but we need to ensure both residents and venues have their say and provide critical feedback about how it will work.
“I encourage anyone who is interested to attend one of these sessions, learn more about the changes and make sure they provide feedback in this process.”
Media contacts:
Planning Minister’s office – 6552 5500
Environment Minister’s office – 6552 5800
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS – SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCTS
Each session will commence with a short briefing followed by time for discussion and questions.
Two sessions are available for residents and business owners, with the other two more suited to venue operators and industry stakeholders. Representatives from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and City of Perth will attend each session.
Venue operators and industry stakeholders
2pm-3.30pm, Tuesday 21 January, 2020
Northbridge Piazza
Corner of Lake and James Streets
Northbridge
9am-10.30am, Wednesday 22 January, 2020
Australian Hotels Association
38 Parliament Place
West Perth
Northbridge residents and businesses
5.30pm-7pm, Wednesday 22 January, 2020
Great Southern Room
State Library of Western Australia
25 Francis Street
Perth
5.30pm- 7pm, Thursday 6 February, 2020
Great Southern Room
State Library of Western Australia
25 Francis Street
Perth