Report: Sydneysiders want more late night venues, fairer noise monitoring

Sydneysiders want more live music venues, small bars, shops, restaurants and cafes, staying open after dark.

They would like more small-scale cultural events and activities to take place across the city, such as small theatre performances in bookshops.

They think noise from entertainment venues to be managed more fairly for residents and venues alike, and think that the agent of change working successfully in Melbourne is the answer.

This is the feedback that City of Sydney received from 10,000 calls as part of its first review in more than a decade of the planning controls that determine the locations and trading hours of night-time premises.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that after extensive community consultation, it was not surprising that there was a strong idea of what they wanted Sydney to be like at nights.

“This most recent feedback tells us once again that our residents and visitors want a diverse and exciting night-time economy with events and activities for people of all ages and interests,” the lord mayor said.

“What they absolutely do not want is a city that is unsafe or that shuts down as soon as the sun goes down.

“We are not alone in the issues that we are facing in Sydney – and thankfully we are part of a network of global cities who are finding the best, evidence-based solutions to the issues that most global cities face.

“Sydney’s nightlife is a complex ecosystem which has undoubtedly been impacted by the NSW government’s ill-considered lockout laws and other factors.”

Moore said the City was committed to policies that took into consideration everyone’s rights.

“The night-time economy is critical to Sydney’s future, so it’s essential we get the balance right and make sure our planning controls keep pace with the city as it changes and grows.

“In the coming months, we’ll recommend changes to the planning controls that respond to this feedback and better reflect our long-term vision for the night-time economy.”

Sydney’s night-time economy (NTE), estimated to be worth $15 billion a year to Sydney’s economy.