UPDATE: The Sutherland Shire Council has urgently requested a special exemption from noise regulations to enhance Cronulla’s nightlife this summer. This critical move aims to introduce outdoor live music and extend trading hours, fostering economic activity in the area.
The proposal comes as the council faces hurdles in launching a planned 12-month trial for a Special Entertainment Precinct, supported by state government funding. A council report released earlier this week indicates that the formal approval process involves multiple statutory steps, requiring endorsement from the NSW Government. Implementation of the precinct trial is not expected before mid-2026.
To address the immediate need for revitalization, the council is pushing for an initial trial over the upcoming 2025-26 summer. However, current planning laws are restrictive, providing no straightforward route to allow outdoor entertainment without formal development consent. The council has reached out to John Graham, the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, requesting that outdoor entertainment be classified as exempt development.
“Continued advocacy is essential to secure the necessary policy shifts that would support interim activation measures,” the report emphasizes. While legislative changes are pursued, the council is committed to assisting applicants to facilitate well-prepared submissions and expedite assessments.
In a significant step forward, the state government has awarded the council a grant of $187,000 for the trial of the Special Entertainment Precinct. This funding is seen as a pivotal move to reinvigorate the area, reminiscent of the vibrant atmosphere when iconic Australian bands like INXS and Midnight Oil graced the local venues.
Supporters, including owners of Cronulla’s top restaurants and nightclubs, gathered at Parc Pavilion in July for a presentation on the vibrancy reforms by Mayor Jack Boyd. Graham expressed optimism, stating that the grants for Cronulla and nearby Manly would help “usher in a new era” for the area’s nightlife.
As community excitement builds, the council’s initiatives could transform Cronulla into a lively summer destination, driving tourism and local business. The focus now shifts to the response from the NSW Government regarding the exemption request.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
