The Minns Labor Government is supporting Kiama Council to build a night-time economy that gives locals more entertainment options, tourists more reasons to visit, and businesses a healthier bottom line.
Kiama Council will receive $200,000 in funding from the Minns Labor Government to establish a night-time economy strategy and consult with local business owners, residents and authorities on establishing a Special Entertainment Precinct.
Local community support for a Special Entertainment Precinct in Kiama has been growing, with a community petition submitted to Kiama Council in mid-2024. This funding will allow them to begin the work on boosting their night-time economy.
The establishment of a Special Entertainment Precinct will see Kiama join 19 other NSW councils that are progressing their own precincts or have passed motions in favour or exploring the option.
After consulting with the community on the right settings, the Special Entertainment Precinct framework will allow the council to set tailored trading hours and sound rules within the designated area. Businesses within that precinct can then take up those conditions without the costly process of amending their individual development consents.
A decade of lockouts and overregulation under the former Liberal Government caused significant damage to the state's night-time economy. The rollout of entertainment precincts is part of a wave of Minns Labor Government reforms to rebuild night-time economies across NSW.
These measures include fixing the noise complaint system, extending trading hours for venues that host live entertainment, reducing red tape around entertainment and outdoor spaces, scrapping the 5km sign in rule at clubs, and rolling out $14.9 million of Uptown Grants to support entertainment hubs.
For more information see Special Entertainment Precincts.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:
"The Liberal government smashed the night-time economy through lockouts and overregulation. We've been cutting red tape and backing local councils and venues to thrive. It's now time for Kiama to join the nightlife revival.
"Katelin has been a great champion for Kiama's night-time economy, from launching a successful petition for an entertainment precinct last year to standing here today announcing the funding to get started.
"This is a great example of Katelin standing up for Kiama. Imagine what she could achieve as a strong local voice inside the government.
"We're excited to support Kiama Council to build a night-time economy that harnesses the town's incredible potential."
Labor Candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:
"As a long-time local I've always seen the potential to grow our nighttime economy. This investment shows the Minns Labor Government is prepared to back us to reach that potential.
"Locals want a more exciting family friendly night-time economy and businesses want more certainty so they can invest in entertainment. This support from the Labor government will help us achieve both.
"As we build more housing an entertainment precinct will allow us to future proof entertainment so that residents have more clarity and businesses have more certainty around their trading hours and noise restrictions."
"As a Labor MP I would be able to be a strong local voice inside the government, making sure Kiama is part of the night-life revival that's rolling out across NSW."
