New planning and environmental reforms to protect Western Australia's entertainment areas, starting with Perth's nightlife centre of Northbridge, are now out for public comment.
The reforms are part of the McGowan Government's election commitment to support the State's music industry.
As Perth moves to accommodate a growing population through infill development, entertainment venues located near residential areas are finding it increasingly difficult to comply with current noise regulations.
Designating an area as a special entertainment precinct will help provide better protection for entertainment venues and clear and consistent guidelines for new developments.
The reforms include a draft Western Australian Planning Commission position statement and proposed amendments to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. The City of Perth will also look to establish Northbridge as a special entertainment precinct through a local planning scheme amendment.
The documents were informed by a public consultation paper and community engagement completed in 2018. For more information or to have your say visit https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/special-entertainment-precincts or https://consult.dwer.wa.gov.au/
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This is about making sure we support the vibrant areas and venues that make our city fun.
"We are committed to supporting Western Australia's music industry and I'm pleased to reach this stage of planning reform that will deliver real outcomes to support entertainment districts.
"New planning policy will apply to entertainment areas, with Northbridge set to be the first area to benefit from this special entertainment precinct classification.
"The State Government is keen for the final boundaries of the Northbridge's core entertainment precinct to include the long-established venues of the area and Perth Cultural Centre."
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 about making Perth a welcoming and vibrant environment that supports venues which host events and music.
"There is so much talent in Perth and we need the right regulations to ensure the next Tame Impala or AC/DC have local venues to perform in and grow.
"This will provide another opportunity for all local governments to introduce their own rules that protect the live music and entertainment venues in their own areas."
