The Minister for Planning and Land Management has unveiled a suite of initiatives aimed at protecting Canberra’s night life and live music scene.
The Minister, Mick Gentleman said that living close to live music venues and night life hotspots was part of the appeal for apartment dwellers in the inner city and town centres.
“As more people move in, it is important that a balance be struck between the rights of the residents and the desire for a vibrant city,” Mr Gentleman said.
He said the reforms to be made included extended daytime noise limits; tasking the National Capital Design Review Panel to consider acoustic amenity when it reviews mixed-use developments; providing better information for residents, including renters and businesses; and adding noise limit information on Government maps.
“The Government has listened to the concerns raised by advocates of Canberra’s live music scene, and we believe that these reforms will help live music and entertainment thrive in our city, town and group centres,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Extending noise limits on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to midnight in the city and town centres and 11pm in group centres such as Dickson, Erindale and Kingston, will allow venues to make amplified noise longer into the evenings on weekends.”
He said better access to information would help businesses understand their obligations, while information for residents would outline sound rules in different parts of the city, particularly if they were considering moving into mixed-use areas.
“The Government is continuing to work to identify suitable locations for special entertainment precincts in our ACT Planning review,” Mr Gentleman said.
