The new Cultural State Environmental Planning Policy will reduce the amount of time it takes to have an event, gig or festival approved by the local council or state agency, removing outdated and lengthy planning pathways for simple and fun events.
This responds to the recent NSW Productivity Commissioner’s report which highlighted a potential $8 billion uplift in the NSW night-time economy if unnecessary red tape was reduced to allow venues and events to expand their offering.
It also delivers on a Labor election commitment to support music venues, energise the 24-hour economy and make it simpler for cafes, bars, restaurants and venues to host events and extend trading hours.
We’re giving councils, businesses, and communities greater flexibility to create and support local entertainment opportunities, allowing more events, extended trading and easier outdoor activation.
More live entertainment
- Live entertainment like music, comedy, theatre, book readings, and other performances can now occur both indoors and outdoors without a development application as long as it complies with simple rules such as beginning after midday.
Increased patron capacity for outdoor dining
- Venues and registered clubs will finally have capacity to match their outdoor dining space, able to increase patron numbers by up to 30% without a development application.
Easier community events
- Events like street fairs and community festivals will be allowed as exempt development on all public land removing the need for often expensive development applications.
- These events will make it simpler and more affordable for communities across the state to activate local spaces, like town squares, streets and parks.
Extended trading for special events
- Shops, cafes and other unlicenced venues will be able to keep their doors open longer during big local events like street fairs with councils able to declare special trading hours for specific areas.
- This will support both local business and tourism in maximising the benefit of the extra foot traffic generated during special events.
Expanded outdoor dining at farmgate venues
- Farmgate operators like cellar doors and on farm cafes and restaurants can now activate outdoor dining without lodging a development application, supporting regional and local food tourism.
The Minns Labor Government is building better communities and that means rebuilding vibrancy and the 24-hour economy which is still recovering from a decade of lockouts and then lockdowns.
To support the rollout, the NSW Government will release practical resources including a Vibrancy Guidelines and an Events Guide to help councils and businesses make the most of the new opportunities.
These changes are part of the Cultural SEPP, that will be implemented through updates to the Codes SEPP 2008, to support creative, cultural and hospitality opportunities across NSW, and drive a thriving, inclusive 24-hour economy. For more information, visit Night-time economy | Planning
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:
“Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities on earth but red tape has stopped venues from properly using their outdoor space. That is now changing thanks to these reforms.
“These changes will increase entertainment options and boost the bottom line for businesses.
“We know that arduous, expensive planning approvals have been a stop sign to progress in NSW, so just like we have done for housing, we are now cutting planning red tape to boost vibrancy.
“The Cultural SEPP builds on two years' worth of reforms aimed at bringing Sydney back to life.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“These simple planning changes will re-awaken NSW’s events, entertainment and hospitality sectors which have been suffering under excessive regulations since the introduction of lock out laws in 2014.
“We’re simplifying the rules to empower local councils and businesses to host events, extend trading hours, and bring communities together through arts, culture and hospitality without the headache of unnecessary red tape.
“The Minns Labor Government wants NSW to be the place where young people choose to live and work which means alongside unlocking more housing, we must also support lively communities and culture.”
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
“We’re supporting our local entertainment venues and backing the Inner West to do what it does best – create, celebrate, and come together. Whether it’s live music in a pub or a pop-up gallery in a shopfront, we’re paving the path for more creativity”
“We know that arts and culture don’t just happen inside venues – they spill out onto our streets and across our neighbourhoods. These changes mean more music, more community, and more life after dark”
Lime Cordiale, Oli Leimbach said:
“This is such a positive step in the right direction. I’ve been worried that young Australians are losing the habit of going out to see live music.
“Making gigs easier to put on will push the Australian music scene forward, give new bands a stage, and strengthen our festival culture.
“Wherever we go in the world, people rave about the quality of Aussie music and it deserves all the support it can get.”
Jack River said:
“As an Artist and a former festival organiser, I welcome these reforms.
“The Vibrancy Reforms will welcome live music and culture back into public spaces - where for too long it’s been a struggle and an afterthought.
“Our pubs, clubs and venues should be supported and encouraged to feature Australian Artists - these reforms do just that!”
