Page 2537 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 31 July 2019
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I have also asked the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate to commence work on extending daytime noise levels on Friday and Saturday nights. This will extend the higher daytime limit from the current 10 pm to midnight in the city centre and town centres, and to 11 pm in group centres such as Dickson, Erindale, Kingston and Manuka. This will reflect current activity in these areas and allow for future activation.
The identification of entertainment precincts is a commonly used tool applied in other jurisdictions to cater for activities and events with higher noise levels. The option for establishing special entertainment precincts in mixed-use areas attracted strong support during the urban sounds community consultation.
Entertainment precincts clearly set the amenity expectations by defining the character of the area up front. Existing venues are protected, and new venues are able to open without onerous constraints because they are located within a designated entertainment precinct. By taking the learnings from the use of entertainment precincts in other jurisdictions, the ACT government is working to identify where and how these precincts could be applied in the ACT.
I note Mr Parton’s request to consider order of occupancy principles. As order of occupancy principles apply to specific venues and not precincts, they may not be enough to save or support the character of vibrant nightlife districts. Unintended consequences of order of occupancy principles may include a reduction of nightlife: if residential development occurs, these developments may prevent new venues from opening. However, we will consider this as part of the regulatory mix of solutions for entertainment precincts.
I am happy to provide an action plan and subsequently report back regarding the government’s actions in ensuring a vibrant night-time economy and live entertainment through our planning system. This will provide an opportunity to outline the work already completed as well as a chance to provide an update on work underway.
In conclusion, I want to thank Mr Parton for his motion and Ms Le Couteur for her contribution. I thank Mr Parton for the opportunity to show how the government is working hard across portfolios to support diverse and exciting nightlife in Canberra.
MR RAMSAY (Ginninderra—Attorney-General, Minister for the Arts and Cultural Events, Minister for Building Quality Improvement, Minister for Business and Regulatory Services, Minister for Government Services and Procurement and Minister for Seniors and Veterans) (4.37): I am delighted to hear Mr Parton being supportive of more live music venues in Canberra, though, based on lunchtime’s efforts, whether he potentially has a future singing career I would class as a moot point. When it comes to music, I am happy to stay on the keyboard side and leave the singing to others.
Mr Parton might like to consider that, despite his objections to the government’s work with ACT clubs in encouraging diversification away from poker machine revenue, a number of clubs in the ACT are utilising the grants and incentives that the
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