- Local planning scheme changes create Perth's first Special Entertainment Precinct in Northbridge
- Noise reforms set to provide better support and certainty to entertainment venue operators and developers as well as protect residents
- Reforms equivalent to Fortitude Valley in Brisbane and establish WA as one of the most progressive jurisdictions for noise management in entertainment precincts
The Cook Labor Government has today announced the establishment of Western Australia's first Special Entertainment Precinct, strengthening Northbridge as the State's pre-eminent entertainment and live music district.
As part of the State Government's ongoing commitment to supporting Western Australia's creative industries, the establishment of the Special Entertainment Precinct in Northbridge will provide greater operational and investment certainty for the sector.
The precinct comprises designated 'Core' and 'Frame' areas, with maximum noise emission levels of 90 decibels [dB(C)] and 79 decibels [dB(C)] respectively.
This will put Northbridge alongside Brisbane's renowned Fortitude Valley, reinforcing its status as one of Australia's leading entertainment destinations.
Delivered through targeted planning and noise reforms. the precinct is set to attract new investment, create local jobs, and strengthen Perth's nightlife and live music scene, creating more opportunities for local talent to thrive.
Importantly, the reform package strikes a balanced approach that supports both the entertainment economy and community needs to ensure a vibrant precinct.
It will support new student accommodation and short-term stays within the precinct, while facilitating critical infill housing developments in key areas such as within the Perth City Link and Stirling Street area.
The precinct will be delivered through changes to the City of Perth Local Planning Scheme No.2 and the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.
The changes will allow Northbridge venues to opt in for an Entertainment Venue Approval to exceed the current noise emission limits, providing investment certainty.
Visit Northbridge Special Entertainment reforms for further information.
As stated by Planning and Lands Minister John Carey:
"Our government backs Western Australia's live music entertainment precincts, and the significant economic and cultural benefits they provide.
"Wewant our inner-city areas to be vibrant and compatible spaces for entertainment venues and residents alike.
"The Northbridge Special Entertainment Precinct is the first to be established in Western Australia, recognising the area as the State's premier entertainment precinct.
"It will bring operational and investment certainty to the area and deliver housing in the strategic infill locations of Perth and Northbridge.
"The entertainment industry will have the long-term confidence to operate in the area and venues can opt into the noise reforms to seek approval under the new system.
As stated bythe Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"These reforms are a progressive approach to maintain the viability of Northbridge as an entertainment precinct and clarify upfront the expectations around noise attenuation requirements for both noise-emitting venues and accommodation developers.
"The government will now progress supporting amendments to the Noise Regulations to ensure the Northbridge area is a vibrant entertainment area into the future."
As stated by Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"Northbridge is a unique entertainment area, and these targeted reforms will provide better support and certainty to entertainment venue operators.
"Live music makes our communities more vibrant and liveable, so we want our inner-city areas to be compatible spaces for live music and residents alike.
"As a State Government we are focused on striking the right balance between housing and tourism accommodation, and our creative industries."
As stated by West Australian Music chief executive officer Owen Whittle:
"These reforms will safeguard Northbridge live music venues and will create an environment where investment can be made in new venues without the fear of a deluge of noise complaints.
"Across Australia we have seen a rapid decline in live music venues as noise complaints and increased costs have sent many out of business.
"The Northbridge Special Entertainment Precinct protects the very same venues that have platformed countless local musicians before they have gone on to national and international success."
