- Cook Government delivers on election commitment to keep Freo.Social's live music program running
- New noise management framework to exempt Freo.Social from noise restrictions for up to four nights per week
- Cook Government, through the National Trust of WA, contributing $150,000 for sound attenuation works at the State Heritage-registered venue that houses Freo.Social
- Cook Government fostering a vibrant and creative economy
The Cook Government is protecting live music at Freo.Social, granting an exemption from noise restrictions, so the much-loved Fremantle venue can keep hosting gigs in 2026.
A stalwart of the local scene, Freo.Social is an integral part of Fremantle's cultural life and economy, drawing locals and visitors alike and helping keep the cultural heart of the town beating.
This delivers on the Cook Government's election commitment to support Western Australia's vibrant cultural scene while balancing community amenity.
To protect the venue's future, the government has issued a temporary exemption from noise restrictions for up to four nights per week under section 6 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
This exemption is supported by a comprehensive noise management plan developed in collaboration with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and informed by stakeholder input.
The new framework reflects a balanced approach, setting clear conditions for when the exemption applies, alongside control measures and compliance oversight to ensure responsible management of noise emissions from the live music venue.
The Cook Government, through the National Trust of Western Australia, is providing $150,000 for noise attenuation works to help improve the performance of the State Heritage-listed Artillery Drill Hall in keeping in sound.
With the temporary exemption now in effect, Freo.Social will begin transitioning to a long-term approval for noise management under the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997, with wider community consultation expected within the next six months.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Freo.Social is an important part of Fremantle's cultural identity and delivering on this election commitment is vital to safeguarding its vibrant music scene.
"This temporary noise management framework establishes a practical pathway that supports the operations of Freo.Social while respecting community amenity.
"The State Government is committed to fostering creative industries, but we also expect venues to operate responsibly. This framework sets out clear requirements to manage noise from Freo.Social and I have outlined my expectations to the venue."
As stated by Creative Industries Minister and Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"I'm proud to deliver Freo.Social this exemption from noise restrictions so that the much-loved Freo venue can keep hosting local, national, and international gigs.
"I know how popular and valued Freo.Social is, I also know we need a sensible approach that gives the venue the confidence to continue hosting live music but also give their neighbours clarity that there are firm parameters within which Freo.Social is required to operate.
"Fremantle's live music scene is an important part of its vibrancy, and we need to strike the right balance between housing and tourism accommodation, and live music venues."
