The number of entertainment precincts in NSW has now reached 12, with Cronulla the latest community to boost its night-time economy by extending trading hours and relaxing noise settings in its CBD.
Commencing today the new precinct includes the bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, clubs and shops between Gerale Street and Wilbar Avenue, and supports Sutherland Council's vision to extend daytime visitation into night-time activity and deliver more vibrant entertainment options like the popular Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival.
Since the Minns Labor Government came to office Special Entertainment Precincts have been established in Tamworth, Dulwich Hill, Marrickville, Balmain, Leichardt, Rozelle, Marrickville, Canley Vale and Canley Heights.
Over 20 more councils are preparing to establish entertainment precincts including Goulburn, Burwood, Parramatta, City of Sydney, Ryde, Hornsby, Northern Beaches, Waverley and Canterbury-Bankstown.
Following community consultation on trading hours and sound settings, all Special Entertainment Precincts begin with a 12-month trial, giving the community opportunity to monitor impacts, provide feedback and make changes ahead of any precincts being made permanent.
Sutherland Shire Council received $187,000 funding under the NSW Government's SEP Kickstart Grant program to establish a SEP trial in the Cronulla CBD.
Since coming to office in 2023, the Minns Labor Government has introduced three tranches of vibrancy reforms that have banned single-neighbour noise complaints, reformed the noise complaints system, enable outdoor activation and removed unnecessary regulations that increased the cost and administrative burden for hospitality operators and decreased the enjoyment of patrons.
Live music is at the centre of the night-time economy revival with more than 596 venues now taking up the government's extended trading hours for programming music, which is almost four times the number of venues than when the government took office
For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/vibrancy-reforms/seps
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:
"Already one of Sydney's best day time destinations, Cronulla's night-time economy will start to catch up, as it becomes the state's first ever beachside Special Entertainment Precinct.
"Congratulations to Sutherland Shire Council for all the consultation and planning they've done to set up this precinct and boost their night-time economy.
"We've come a long way since the lockouts and lockdowns. We now have 12 Special Entertainment Precincts and many more on the way."
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:
"The great thing about the Special Entertainment Precinct model is that it has been designed to be adaptable to different settings. Councils are best placed to work out what makes sense in their context.
"Cronulla is well placed to embrace a SEP trial and encourage visitors and locals to visit the beach and stay for the nightlife.
"Consultation is key, and this trial will help Sutherland Shire Council work with local businesses, creatives, residents, police and other local leaders to get the settings right."
Sutherland Shire Council mayor Jack Boyd said:
"Cronulla is already one of the best places in New South Wales to enjoy a meal, catch up with friends, listen to live music or spend time by the beach, and is also the only beach with direct train access, and this trial gives us the opportunity to build on those strengths.
"As NSW's first beachside Special Entertainment Precinct, Cronulla is leading the way in showing how a thriving night-time economy can coexist with a great lifestyle, strong local businesses and a vibrant community.
"This important initiative will provide local businesses with greater certainty and opportunities to grow while creating more reasons for residents and visitors to stay local and enjoy everything Cronulla has to offer after dark.
"Importantly, this is a 12-month trial. We will closely monitor its implementation and any unintended impacts to ensure the precinct continues to deliver positive outcomes for businesses, patrons and residents alike."
