Draft Position Statement - Special Entertainment Precincts
Feedback updated 17 Sep 2020
We asked
The draft Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) Position Statement Special Entertainment Precincts was released for public consultation from 22 November 2019 until 14 February 2020.
More than 2,300 letters were sent to all residents, property owners and businesses in Northbridge, every local government authority and key stakeholders at the start of the consultation period. Details regarding the five scheduled information sessions and consultation process were also promoted on the Department’s website and social media pages. In addition, the consultation featured in several prominent newspapers and in two radio interviews.
Feedback was sought on:
- the level of support for the use of special entertainment precincts to manage entertainment noise
- what special entertainment precincts should look like and how they should function
- the process and methodology for establishing special entertainment precincts
- appropriate locations for special entertainment precincts.
You said
130 submissions were received. 79 per cent of submissions supported the draft position statement’s approach to entertainment noise management, either in full or with modifications. In general, submissions recognised the need to support vibrant nightlife and approved of the increased certainty provided by the proposed approach.
There was strong advocacy from multiple stakeholder groups for expanded provisions and boundaries to cater for increased vibrancy and industry growth, including provision for standalone venues.
Entertainment venues expressed strong overall support for the model (97 per cent) and provided comment on:
- the venue approval process
- commercial impact on venues
- improved venue protections
- boundary expansion and revised noise levels.
Residents of Northbridge were the least supportive of the broad stakeholder groups, although more residents supported the proposed approach in principle than opposed it (59 per cent and 41 per cent respectively). Residents key concerns were:
- health impacts
- a perceived favouring of venues
- long history of excessive noise and anti-social behaviour in Northbridge.
Many comments were inter-linked with, or primarily related to, DWER or City of Perth’s reform elements. This was understandable given the interconnectedness of each element, DWER’s concurrent consultation and the City of Perth’s formal initiation of Amendment No. 41 all occurring at the same time.
We did
The Department shared redacted copies of all submissions with DWER and the City of Perth to ensure a coordinated approach to the finalisation of the reforms.
The feedback from submissions was a driver for DWER to complete further technical investigations to better understand the potential impacts of entertainment noise in and around Northbridge.
Following the review of submissions and analysis of the further technical investigations, the Department provided the City of Perth with an alternative approach for their consideration. The Department has recommended this alternative (“Option B”) be provided as additional information during the City’s public advertising of Amendment No. 41 to enable the community to provide comment on the most up-to-date information possible.
Alternative Option B comprises:
- An expanded Core Entertainment Area with a noise level of 90db in the 63Hz octave band to incorporate long-standing Northbridge venues and part of the Perth Cultural Centre (a 5dB reduction)
- A new Transition Area requiring noise sensitive development to be attenuated to account for noise received from the Core Entertainment Area
- A Frame Entertainment Area with a noise level of 79db in the 63 Hz octave band (no change)
- Removal of the primarily residential area north west of Russell Square from the special entertainment precinct
NOTE – The final position statement will be updated in due course. Given the complex nature of entertainment noise in Northbridge, when finalised, the position statement will have regard to the feedback from public consultation, the proposed City of Perth Northbridge amendment and engagement with industry and environmental stakeholders.
Overview
The State Government is seeking feedback on reforms to establish special entertainment precincts in Western Australia.
The reforms aim to ensure the ongoing viability of our State’s entertainment industry by balancing the needs of venues with other businesses and residents in vibrant entertainment areas.
What is a special entertainment precinct?
A special entertainment precinct is an area with a diverse mix of land uses (both residential and commercial) including entertainment venues which contribute to an active night-time economy.
How can I provide feedback?
There are two individual State Government reform elements needed to establish a special entertainment precinct.
- Western Australian Planning Commission’s Draft Position Statement: Special Entertainment Precincts
The following survey questions relate to the Draft Position Statement only. The objective of the draft position statement is to provide guidance to local governments on the designation of special entertainment precincts.
Submissions close on 14 February 2020.
- Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997
If you would like to provide feedback on proposed amendments to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 please visit www.consult.dwer.wa.gov.au.
Submissions close on 14 February 2020.
Events
-
Information session for entertainment venues
From 21 Jan 2020 at 14:00 to 21 Jan 2020 at 15:30Presentations by the City of Perth, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Location: Northbridge Piazza meeting room (upstairs) Cnr Lake and James St Northbridge.
RSVP: entertainment-noise@dwer.wa.gov.au -
Information session for entertainment venues
From 22 Jan 2020 at 09:00 to 22 Jan 2020 at 10:30Presentations by the City of Perth, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Location: Australian Hotels Association
38 Parliament Place, West Perth.
RSVP: research@ahawa.asn.au -
Information sessions for Northbridge residents and businesses
From 22 Jan 2020 at 17:30 to 22 Jan 2020 at 19:00Presentations by the City of Perth, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Location: State Library of WA, Great Southern Room, Perth Cultural Centre, 25 Francis St, Perth.
RSVP: entertainment-noise@dwer.wa.gov.au -
Information sessions for Northbridge residents and businesses
From 6 Feb 2020 at 17:30 to 6 Feb 2020 at 19:00Presentations by the City of Perth, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Location: State Library of WA, Great Southern Room, Perth Cultural Centre, 25 Francis St, Perth.
RSVP: entertainment-noise@dwer.wa.gov.au
Areas
- WA state-wide
Audiences
- Development and Construction Industry
- Peak Bodies
- Planning and Design Industry
- State Government
- Local Government
- Government Trading Enterprise
- Residents
- Business Operators
- Land Owners
- Community Organisations
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