June 2024 – Page 5

Labor’s juvenile nuclear attack undermines AUKUS

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should warn Labor members of Parliament that juvenile attacks on the Coalition’s nuclear energy policy could undermine confidence in Australia’s AUKUS nuclear submarine program.

Shadow Attorney-General Senator Michaelia Cash said a social media post by Labor front bencher Andrew Leigh, depicting cartoon character Blinky Bill with three eyes, was a disgraceful example of misinformation likely to undermine confidence in AUKUS.

The post said: “Is this what Peter Dutton wants Blinky to look like in 50 years?”

“This sort of juvenile undergraduate attempt at humour should not be laughed off by the Prime Minister,’’ Senator Cash said.

“Labor has fully supported the AUKUS nuclear submarine program and Mr Albanese should come out and confirm to navy personnel that nuclear submarines will be safe for them to operate,’’ she said.

“As Western Australia will host the submarine program, including storage of waste, Mr Albanese should assure all Western Australians nuclear technology is safe,’’ she said.

“Mr Albanese should pull his front bench and all Labor MPs into line and tell them not to make such attacks,’’ Senator Cash said.

“Andrew Leigh is an assistant minister and should know better. He should immediately apologise and remove the juvenile post from his social media,’’ she said.

“Nuclear is one of the safest forms of energy generation. It’s roughly on par with solar power, and even safer than wind and hydro power,’’ Senator Cash said.

“The technology is safe enough for Australian Defence Force personnel who will shortly be operating nuclear propelled submarines under the AUKUS agreement,’’ she said.

“Australians are smart enough to work out that this type of attack is pure misinformation being pedalled by a Labor Government which has no legitimate objections to nuclear energy,’’ Senator Cash said.

Canada’s terrorist listing of IRGC demands Australian action

The Coalition welcomes the Canadian Government’s decision to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity and again urges the Albanese Government to take similar action.

The Canadian Government’s action stands in stark contrast to the weakness of the Albanese Government which has failed to take any action in listing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in Australia.

At Senate Estimates earlier this month, the Government confirmed it had undertaken no work to list the IRGC since it was recommended in February 2023 by the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence & Trade References Committee.

The Albanese Government is out of excuses. As the Canadian Government pointed out in listing the terrorist organisation today, the IRGC conducts terrorist activity, both unilaterally and in association with other terror groups including Hezbollah and Hamas. The Canadian Government made clear that a terror listing is an important additional step over and above sanctions upon IRGC operatives and entities. This sends an important message that Canada will use all the tools at its disposal to combat the terror activity of the IRGC.

There is significant evidence that the IRGC is engaged in terrorist activity, and Australia’s laws should reflect this reality. Failing to do so can only further diminish Australia’s standing and demonstrates the Albanese Government’s ongoing failure to adequately support international action such as the multi-nation operation again Iran-backed Houthi terrorism in the Red Sea.

The Coalition has repeatedly made clear that we offer our bipartisan support for any actions required to enable the listing of the IRGC.

Australia must stand with Canada and the US in listing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, and we call on the Albanese Labor Government to take immediate action so that Australia sends a clear message that we do not tolerate acts of terrorism, no matter who commits or supports them.

Australian Sports Fear Funding Uncertainty as they Head to Paris

Weeks away from the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, the Albanese Labor Government has left our National Sporting Organisations without critical funding certainty.

Funding for Australia’s sporting organisations is due to run out in just 7 days time.

With the Government failing to provide the funding needed for the NSOs, the Australian Sports Commission has been forced to step in and prop up our sporting organisations until the end of the year.

The Department of Health and Aged Care confirmed during Senate Estimates that they are ‘acutely aware’ of NSOs concerns that they have no funding certainty into the near future.

This in creating unnecessary stress for sporting organisations at a time when athletes are already dealing with the pressure to make our country proud at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Anne Ruston questioned why the Government is delaying providing our high-performance sports with funding certainty, especially in the middle of Paris preparations.

“The Albanese Government seem to be waiting for the perfect photo opportunity, instead of prioritising the best interests of our high-performance athletes who are about to represent our country on the world stage.

“The lack of any funding announcement from the Minister of Sport is creating so much unnecessary stress as our athletes make their final preparations for Paris.

“Our sporting bodies have no certainty that they will be able to pay their coaches and essential staff past the end of the year.

“This is not the Australian spirit. In the lead up to the Olympics, we should be backing in our sporting organisations and supporting our incredible athletes as they get ready to put on the green and gold,” Senator Ruston said.

The Opposition calls on the Albanese Government to immediately announce ongoing funding certainty for Australia’s high-performance sporting bodies, so that they have the resources they need to ensure Australia remains a proud sporting nation.

Alongside any announcement, the Government must also provide certainty on the nature of the funding and whether it will be going directly to our athletes and sporting bodies, or to the Australian Sports Commission.

Our athletes must be supported to do what they do best, and that is making our country proud as they compete on the world stage.

City of Newcastle backs heritage protection for three suburban gems

Newcastle’s heritage is set for a triple win this week with City of Newcastle to pave the way for added protections for architectural sites in Hamilton, Broadmeadow and Mayfield.

Council will vote on whether to back the creation of a new Heritage Conservation Area for Cameron’s Hill, a 13.73 hectare parcel of land known for its Victorian and Federation-era homes that takes in areas of Hamilton and Broadmeadow.

Council will also vote to progress the potential listing of two residential dwellings in Mayfield, 22 Victoria Street and 14 Sunderland Street, as items of local heritage significance under the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan.

City of Newcastle will then seek gateway determination from the NSW Government for planning proposals on all three sites, which would then be placed on public exhibition for community feedback.

City of Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan said creating a new heritage conservation area for Cameron’s Hill would be a fitting recognition of its place in history.

“Our city has a unique mix of heritage conservation areas, archaeological sites, heritage-listed buildings and places that are recognised and protected for their character and significance,” Cr Duncan said.

“The creation of a heritage conservation area for Cameron’s Hill will preserve this unique piece of Newcastle’s history for future generations of Novocastrians.”

Councillor Margaret Wood praised City of Newcastle’s approach to the city’s built heritage.

“City of Newcastle has a clear commitment to celebrate, protect and promote our city’s unique heritage under the 2040 Community Strategic Plan and Heritage Strategy 2020-2030.”

Cameron’s Hill follows Denison and Everton streets, from Blackall Street, east towards Steel Street. It is dotted with federation houses that were home to mine managers and government officials of the mid-1800s.

Denison Street was once Hamilton’s main street and had several hotels that were incubators of friendship, commerce and sporting clubs. The blocks in Cameron’s Hill are among the largest in Hamilton, allowing for grand homes built mainly from the 1840s to the 1930s.

The area is named after James Cameron, publican of the Queen’s Arms Hotel. It is also home to the 1840s Australian Agricultural Company Mine Manager’s House, of State Heritage significance to the city’s industrial, social and economic past.

It would become the city’s seventh designated heritage conservation area.

City of Newcastle placed interim heritage orders on the two Mayfield dwellings earlier this year to prohibit the demolition or alteration of the properties while their significance was being assessed.

Since then, an in-depth heritage assessment found that 22 Victoria Street is historically significant as one of the only houses constructed on the Scholey subdivision designed by the prominent architect Frederick George Castleden.

Castleden designed or contributed to some of Newcastle’s most recognisable buildings including the former David Jones store, Newcastle Ocean Baths pavilion and part of Christ Church Cathedral.

The Victoria Street dwelling represents an early example of one of the core architectural phases of Newcastle and the growth and development of Mayfield as an attractive residential area in the early 20th century.

The assessment of 14 Sunderland Street found the late Victorian dwelling represents the residential development of the suburb of Mayfield and is one of few comparable places in the local area dating from the earliest phase of the Houghton Le Spring Subdivision.

The dwelling was purchased, occupied and likely constructed by the Braye family during Thomas Braye’s first tenure as Mayor of Waratah. Thomas Braye was a well-known Waratah resident, from an early local family, known for being one of the youngest aldermen to be elected to council.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 25 June 2024

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Acknowledging Geof Mansfield‘s 50 years of service to the City of Newcastle

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted that Monday 10 June 2024 marked 50 years of service to the City of Newcastle by Geof Mansfield who commenced as a draftsman cadet in 1974. Awards a Service Medal commemorating Geof’s 50 years of service with the City of Newcastle and extends its sincere gratitude to Geof for his hard work, incredibly long record of employment and dedication to the City of Newcastle.

Investment for offshore wind

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that welcomed the recent announcement by Minister for Climate Change, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, preliminarily offering a feasibility licence for the potential Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd project and notes that the Novocastrian Wind project has the capacity to generate over two gigawatts of electricity, equivalent to powering 1.2 million homes. It acknowledges that offshore wind manufacturing at Port of Newcastle has the prospect to generate an estimated 300 ongoing jobs and further 3,000 construction jobs.

City of Newcastle record low DA processing time

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulates the Planning and Environment Directorate for the development and implementation of an industry leading Accelerated Development Application system, which has resulted in significant improvements in development assessment timeframes since it was introduced two years ago. Noting that so far this financial year over 1,230 development applications have been determined, in an average of 37 days. This has resulted in over $680 million worth of approved development across the LGA, which has included over 1050 dwellings.

Ordinary business

Public Exhibition of the draft Walking and Mobility Plan

Council voted to place the draft 10-year Walking and Mobility Plan on public exhibition for a period of a minimum of 42 days.

Special Business Rate Audit Outcome

Council laid on the table the audit findings relating to Special Benefit Rate funded projects delivered via Expressions of Interests.

Adoption of Delivering Newcastle 2040 and making of the Rates and Charges

Council voted to adopt the 2024/2025 Delivering Newcastle 2040 and the 2024/2025 Fees and Charges, following public exhibition, and make the Rates and Charges for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 in accordance with sections 532 – 535 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Interest on overdue rates and charges for 2024/25

Council voted to adopt the rate of 10.5 per cent per annum on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, noting that all interest is waived for ratepayers who, on the basis of financial hardship, enter into an agreement to pay outstanding rates over a period of time.

Heritage Item – 14 Sunderland Street, Mayfield – Planning proposal amendment to Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012

Council voted unanimously to endorse the commencement of the statutory process for a planning proposal to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 for a new heritage item at 14 Sunderland Street Mayfield.

Heritage Item – 22 Victoria Street, Mayfield – Planning proposal amendment to Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012

Cameron’s Hill Heritage Conservation Area – Planning proposal amendment to Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012

Council voted unanimously to endorse commencement of the statutory process to create the Cameron’s Hill Heritage Conservation Area, proposing changes to Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and related changes to Development Control Plan 2023.

Audit risk and improvement committee charter and internal audit charter

Council voted unanimously to adopt City of Newcastle’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee and Internal Audit Charters.

Social Infrastructure Strategy

Council voted unanimously to review the draft Social Infrastructure Strategy and guiding principles to inform a policy position on Social Infrastructure within the Newcastle LGA. It was noted that population estimates used in current City of Newcastle strategies and key planning documents will need to be reviewed against reforecast population and housing targets.

City of Coffs Harbour – Memorandum of Understanding

Council voted unanimously to endorse a Memorandum of Understanding with City of Coffs Harbour.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for May 2024.

Tender Report – Biennial Road Heavy Patching Services – Contract No. 2024/102T

Council voted unanimously to accept the tender for the provision of Road Heavy Patching Services to deliver road pavement repairs as required across the Newcastle LGA.

Notices of Motion

Public and Environmental Health: Mine subsidence and contamination DA2018/03151

Council supported a notice of motion that City of Newcastle reiterates the significant history of expressed concerns over the proposed public health and environmental health impacts of Development Application DA2018/01351 at Woodford Street Minmi for 858 dwellings.

Astra Aerolab tenants

Council supported an amended notice of motion noting that City of Newcastle’s Investment and Borrowing Policy is to provide a framework for the investment of Council’s funds. It does not apply to the Newcastle Airport, which is structured and governed separately. Council noted that there is no explosive ordnance manufacture / assembly on land owned by Newcastle Airport and no intention by the Airport to seek this type of tenant. The Airport’s landing holdings are entirely located within the Port Stephens local government area, and as such development application determinations and potential conditions of consent are a matter for Port Stephens Council.

City of Newcastle balances the books with third straight Budget surplus

City of Newcastle is set to deliver a modest surplus for the third consecutive year as part of its $415 million Budget adopted by Councillors last night.

The 2024/25 Budget balances service delivery and outcomes for the community with fiscal responsibility through a modest $4.1 million Budget surplus forecast alongside an investment of almost $140 million into infrastructure throughout the Local Government Area.

Through its Budget and Delivery Program, City of Newcastle will invest $415 million across 60 services and more than 280 projects in the coming financial year, including marquee projects such as the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion and essential infrastructure such as roads, parks and sports facilities.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle’s sound economic management is key to achieving the community’s vision of Newcastle as a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city.

“We’ve achieved financial strength through years of stability and responsible local government, which allows us to support Novocastrians in their everyday lives and deliver the infrastructure and legacy projects our state’s second-largest city deserves,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our infrastructure investment will improve people’s lives, with $38.1 million for local roads, bridges, footpaths and community buildings, $7.7 million on stormwater upgrades to address flooding to property and businesses and $6 million for improving Newcastle’s cycleway network and transport.

“We’re also giving back through our Community Grants, which for a fourth year will provide more than half a million dollars for initiatives to help vulnerable members of our community and reinforce the social, cultural, environmental and economic life of the city.”

Highlights of the 2024/25 Budget include:

$17.9 million on roads, footpaths and cycleways across the city
$11 million on recreation and sports improvements, including Gregson Park Playground
$5 million for Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road, Wallsend Road renewal$4.5 million on coastal management including Stockton coastline protection work
$4.1 million on Memorial Drive Road embankment
$2.8 million on improving bushland and watercourses
$2.4 million on Local Centre upgrades such as Orchardtown Road at New Lambton and Georgetown
$2.4 million on resources and improvements for Libraries, Civic Theatre and City Hall
$1.3 million on renewable energy projects including climate action and EV charging.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle’s economic bottom line is a credit to the elected council and staff.

“I’m proud to be part of a council delivering this record investment that will be felt in every single community across our city and I’m proud of every single person at City of Newcastle whose hard work has made this happen.”

Acting CEO David Clarke said City of Newcastle will keep working hard to balance the needs and expectations of a growing community with fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

“An operating surplus of more than $4 million is a sign of good economic management, despite ongoing inflation and rising construction costs,” Mr Clarke said.

“By investing in our community through this Budget, we’re meeting the needs of our residents while also helping to support local jobs and businesses, with estimates that our infrastructure program in 2024/25 will create 735 local jobs and increase total economic output in the LGA by up to $305 million.”

Residents to pave the way to a more walkable Newcastle

Novocastrians are being invited to have their say on a 10-year plan designed to increase pedestrian activity in Newcastle by building and supporting walkable neighbourhoods.

Council voted last night to place City of Newcastle’s draft Walking and Mobility Plan on public exhibition for six weeks.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen using pedestrian infrastructure at New Lambton.The plan aims to make walking and active transport the natural choice for short trips for every member of the community, by prioritising pedestrians in all infrastructure upgrades across the city.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said walking and active transport have a range of benefits for residents, visitors, and the environment.

“Walking and riding are efficient ways to travel short distances, reduce congestion, lower emissions and increase the vibrancy of local places,” Cr Nelmes said.

“When we refer to walking, we include all pedestrian movements, including skateboards, mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams. Walking presents an opportunity for everyone in our community to enjoy Newcastle while also providing significant health benefits from more active lifestyles.

“Newcastle is already highly walkable city, and by enhancing the walkability of our neighbourhoods we will support our community, businesses and visitors to embrace walking, including options to connect with public transport as a better way to explore the city and its surrounds.”

The draft plan has been developed through consultation with the community and other relevant stakeholders, utilising surveys, interactive maps, and the establishment and coordination of the Walking and Mobility Working Party.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of the Walking and Mobility Working Party said the 10-year plan contains four main themes.

“In order to achieve our goals, we need to promote safety and the prioritisation of pedestrians, build and maintain walkable neighbourhoods, support walking trips and celebrate walking in our communities, for all people, of all abilities,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Surveys have shown 70 per cent of people in Newcastle walk at least 30 minutes every day, but it’s mainly for recreational purposes, not for transport.

“To change those statistics, we need to guide development to take pedestrians into greater consideration while also encourage pedestrian-friendly drivers by introducing traffic calming measures and advocating for lower speed limits.

“By 2034, City of Newcastle aims to be a place where all pedestrians, of all ages, abilities, and mobilities, feel safe and prioritised within the public road space.”

The Walking and Mobility Plan aligns with the main objectives of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, helping to make our city a more liveable, sustainable and creative place.

The plan will be on public exhibition from 27 June to 8 August 2024.

To find out more and have your say visit haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

$3.1 million for new women’s rugby league sheds in Queanbeyan

Local and visiting sportswomen will soon have dedicated female changerooms at Freebody and Seiffert Ovals in Queanbeyan, providing better comfort, increased safety and encouraging more women to become involved with their local sporting clubs.

The NSW Government has provided $2.1 million for the construction of new dedicated female changerooms for the Kangaroos Rugby League Club at Freebody Oval, and the renovation of an existing amenities block at Seiffert Oval for the Queanbeyan Blues Rugby League Club to include women’s amenities.

In addition, the Federal Government has provided $1 million for the work on the rooms at the Freebody Oval.

These major new and upgraded facilities will support the growing number of female rugby league players in the region and will address the major scheduling issues associated with women and men’s teams sharing the current facilities.

Female changerooms will also encourage greater local female participation, with players now able to change at the venue, rather than having to change before travelling to training.

The rooms will also provide a dedicated space for athletes to prepare before a match and to celebrate after the game.

Construction and renovation work is being managed by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and is scheduled to commence in late 2024. Work at both ovals is expected to be completed in 2025.

The NSW Government’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in sport also includes:

$250,000 to Sport NSW to deliver the Female Leadership and Fair Play Project which will expand on Sport NSW’s female leadership and Fast Track for Female Coaches program
$30 million to the Level the Playing Field Program which will revive sport facilities by providing new or upgrading existing sport facilities, amenities and sporting fields including new and upgraded lighting that will enable more women and girls to train and compete in sport in a safe and inclusive environment.

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain said:

“Sporting clubs are the life and blood of our local communities, but they need suitable facilities if they are going to be viable in bringing us together.

“Freebody Oval is used year-round by the Kangaroos and the Queanbeyan Cricket Club, but the facilities are in dire need of improvements – which is why this $1 million in federal funding will make a huge difference.

“These are growing clubs, we are seeing more kids sign up, more young girls keen to play and more women playing as well, so we need to make sure our girls and women are accommodated for.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Sport plays a major role in bringing together our regional communities, and a lack of dedicated female facilities is often a barrier to encouraging participation in sport and with local clubs.

“Women’s rugby league is more popular than ever, especially in our regions, and these changerooms will provide much needed local facilities that will serve these clubs for generations to come.

“These facilities will help drive participation in sport in Queanbeyan and help support a further rise in female memberships that has already seen steady growth over recent years.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“The women’s game is growing across the state and especially here in Queanbeyan, the fans are loving it and wanting to come and support the players.

“These new facilities will encourage more talented young players to become part of the game with many hoping to take the next step into bigger competitions.”

President of the Kangaroos Rugby League Club Ian Baker said:

“Our Club has a rich history, going back to 1966. We have achieved many impressive feats in our time, including 10 First Grade Premierships, however, one of our most exciting achievements in the past few years has been the development of our women’s sides.

“With 50 female players in our Senior Club and 101 in our Junior Club, the amenities upgrades will allow us to further build the capacity of the women playing for the Queanbeyan Kangaroos.”

General Manager from the Queanbeyan Blues Rugby League Club Jeremy Wyatt said:

“Having the upgraded facilities will allow our sport to grow and have the facilities to cater for the ever-increasing participation of female athletes.

“The Queanbeyan community will be proud to have up to date facilities for all to enjoy.”

Kenrick Winchester Mayor Queanbeyan Palerang Council said:

“The Queanbeyan region is a rugby league heartland and it is fantastic to have the support of the Australian and NSW Governments to build these much needed facilities.

It will be great for our local players to have appropriate and high quality facilities that support the continued growth of women’s rugby league.”

Regional NSW communities’ big winners in Active Transport funding

More than 80 councils across NSW will share in $60 million to boost walking and cycling, with $10 million dedicated to supporting active travel to and from schools, as part of the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program.

Of the 88 projects, 51 are in regional NSW including 14 around primary schools, which will be funded under this latest round of the grant program to build crucial pathways and cycleways that promote walking and bike riding as an easy, safe, and convenient way for people to get around.

Some highlights from 51 regional projects, worth a total value of $24.9 million, include:

Warrumbungle Shire Council – $789,000 to construct several walking and shared paths around Coonabarabran Public School and High Schools. It will fill in crucial missing sections that will make it possible for students and their families and carers to complete safe and comfortable journeys to school.
Brewarrina Shire Council – $800,000 to build infrastructure that will directly connect residents of the predominantly Aboriginal community in the Weilmoringle Village to the local public school. Currently, students and the broader community must access the school and other services via unsealed roads. The project will significantly improve accessibility by providing a continuous sealed path and includes solar lights so the path can be used at all times of day.
Singleton Council – $5.074 million for construction of a 1.55km long walking and bike riding connection along Combo Lane and Wilkinson Boulevard. The project will deliver entirely new transport options for people living in Singleton Heights and Hunterview. The construction of a bridge over the Hunter River will provide a quiet route along Combo Lane to connect people directly to the Singleton CBD and make walking and bike riding a safe and attractive choice for day-to-day travel.

For the remaining projects,10 projects valued at $9.9 million will be delivered in Western Sydney and 27 projects in the remaining Greater Sydney area, worth a total value of $25.2 million.

This most recent round of the Get NSW Active program received 345 applications from councils with a total request worth $287.6 million which shows the strong desire for infrastructure that supports people who choose to walk or ride to their destination.

The next step will be to confirm the award of funding to councils so they can begin construction or planning phases of their projects.

Read the full list of Get NSW Active successful applicants and projects

Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Jo Haylen MP:

“It’s exciting to see the wide range of active transport projects that will soon come to life, positively impacting potentially hundreds of thousands of people across the state.

“This year, of the amount shared, $10 million will be dedicated to delivering infrastructure that supports walking and riding to school, which received an overwhelming amount of interest from councils. “

“I want to thank councils across the state for their commitment to making it easier for people to safely walk, cycle and scoot around their communities.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“I’m thrilled that more than half of the projects successful in this year’s round of funding is going to regional NSW to provide active transport options for local communities to enjoy.

“It’s this type of infrastructure that makes our communities happier and healthier.

“There is a strong movement towards active transport corridors in our regional communities and it’s great to be part of a government which is funding the development and delivery of infrastructure to envisage this.”

Enmore nightlife model to be replicated statewide

The success of Enmore Road as the state’s first ever Special Entertainment Precinct has inspired 18 other councils across NSW to begin the process of establishing their own nightlife neighbourhood, including Burwood, the Northern Beaches, Waverley and the City of Sydney.

An explosion of bars, entertainment venues and restaurants has made Enmore Road one of the Top 20 coolest neighbourhoods in the world, according to Time Out Magazine.

Establishing an entertainment precinct allowed Inner West Council to set later trading hours and more flexible noise levels to support live music and performance

Venues inside the precinct can trade an hour later every night, and two extra hours on nights they stage live music entertainment.

The Enmore SEP has been made permanent after an Inner West Council survey found 83% support among locals and the area is attracting people and business.

A process led by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has led to interest by 18 councils to establish their own entertainment precinct called for expressions of interest from local councils. Four of the councils have passed resolutions to explore or establish at least one SEP.

The Inner West Council is seeking to establish six additional SEPs in Leichardt, Rozelle, Balmain, two in Marrickville, and Dulwich Hill. Last night the council voted for the proposed SEPs to be submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for Gateway Determination.

The NSW Government’s vibrancy agenda also includes changes to stop single neighbour noise complaints shutting local venues noise complainants shutting down venues, streamlining noise complaints, extending outdoor dining, supporting live music through Sound NSW, funding street events, supporting businesses to cooperate and market their local night-life precincts.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“This is another exciting step in rebuilding Sydney’s night-time economy after the era of lockouts and lockdowns.

“The success in Enmore proves Sydney can have both a safe and a vibrant nightlife, catering for a wide range of ages, tastes and budgets.

“This is part of the government’s wider vibrancy agenda which is about rebuilding the night-time economy block-by-block, neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood. The success in Enmore shows that we’re well and truly on the way.