Northbridge chosen to be Perth’s first special entertainment precinct

In an attempt to protect Perth's entertainment areas, the Western Australian Government has released for public comment, new planning and environmental reforms starting with Perth's nightlife centre of Northbridge.

Part of move to support the state's music industry, Western Australian Planning Minister Rita Saffioti advised that "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 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 look to establish Northbridge as a special entertainment precinct through a local planning scheme amendment.

Western Australian Environment Minister Stephen Dawson added that "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."

The documents were informed by a public consultation paper and community engagement completed in 2018.

For more information go to www.dplh.wa.gov.au/special-entertainment-precincts or consult.dwer.wa.gov.au

Image of Mint Nightclub. Courtesy of Mint/Rami's Photography