Special Entertainment Precinct Establishment

Goulburn Mulwaree Council are seeking funding to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct which covers the Goulburn Central Business District. If successful, Council will begin the process of engaging with interested people and those affected to set up an initial 12-18 month Trial of the Precinct.

Council is seeking your input into the early stages of this exciting new precinct for Goulburn through a simple 4 question Quick Poll at the end of this page.

What is a Special Entertainment Precinct?

A Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) is a designated area where the Council sets trading hours and sound conditions to support live performances while providing certainty for venues, residents, and businesses. SEPs reduce administrative burdens, encourage live music, and help create a more vibrant nighttime economy.

What will it do?

The SEP will establish fixed, measurable sound limits for entertainment venues (measured at an external boundary) and internal noise limits for new and extended residential development and hotel and motel accommodation within and close to the Precinct.

This differs from the current approach where the assessment of noise disturbance complaints relates to whether the sound is considered “offensive”.

What won’t it do?

• Won’t apply to sound disturbance from activity on the street
• Won’t apply to sound coming from non-entertainment venues such as shops and residences
• Won’t apply to mechanical sound such as ventilation equipment
• Won’t apply to sound from roads or the railway

Where will it apply?

The Goulburn CBD Core which spans from Bradley Street to Clinton Street, Sloane Street to Bourke Street and includes the Goulburn Bowling Club and the Hume Conservatorium.

Where has the boundary come from?

The boundary has been determined by the Evening Economy Working Group which consisted of:

• Goulburn Mulwaree Councillors
• NSW Police
• Goulburn Chamber of Commerce (now Business 2580)
• Representatives of licensed venues and venues with live performances.

What are the benefits?

• Establishes Goulburn CBD as an area where entertainment and live performances are supported and encouraged
• Specific fixed sound limits provide certainty to venue operators and the public
• Reduced liquor licensing fees when venues include live entertainment
• A 1-2 hour trading extension on nights with live performances
• An established sound complaints process
• Future residents in proximity are given forewarning of the SEP and applicable sound limits to be expected.
• Reduces land use conflict issues

What are potential impacts?

• Potential costs around additional sound attenuation measures to ensure sound limits are not exceeded.

How to get involved?

• Complete the short 4 question survey
• Respond to future public exhibition invitations
• Speak to your Councilor
• Join the Evening Economy/Special Entertainment Working Group (entertainment venue operators only)