Nights in Goulburn could look different as the council develops a proposal to shake up business trading hours and noise limits. Photo: John Thistleton.
More late-night dining and live music could be on the cards for Goulburn as the State Government considers a council proposal to boost its nightlife.
At a recent meeting, Goulburn Mulwaree Council (GMC) voted to take the next step with its proposal to revitalise Goulburn’s CBD by creating a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP).
In a SEP, NSW councils can set special trading hours and sound conditions to support live entertainment and late-night events.
The council is considering implementing a SEP in an area bordered by Sloane, Bourke, Bradley and Clinton streets.
It would also cover the nearby Hume Conservatorium and the Railway Crossing Bowling Club.
The proposed SEP covers a large portion of Goulburn’s CBD. Image: Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
The vote means GMC can seek a gateway determination from the NSW Department of Education, Housing and Infrastructure, letting it move forward with the planning process.
Councillors also voted to place planning documents for the proposal on public exhibition (if the determination is successful).
Under the proposal, trading hour restrictions would be removed from all premises within the precinct.
A precinct management plan (PMP) states that liquor licence hours would remain unchanged and outdoor dining would finish at 11 pm.
“This enables all premises to choose their own trading hours without requiring council consent, ensuring consistency between venues and simplicity in interpretation and application of trading hours beyond those previously enjoyed,” the document states.
Councillor Jason Shepherd said bringing in the SEP would provide direct support for local businesses.
“If you’re driving down the main streets or you’re in the back streets after eight o’clock at night, everything’s dead.
“I don’t know how many of our local businesses, restaurant owners that don’t have pubs are still in business … It’s [the SEP] attractive for tourism, employment opportunities and, most importantly, supporting local businesses.
The proposal also calls for changes to noise restrictions, with the SEP area (and its immediate surrounds) to be covered under one of three sound limit categories.
“These sound category areas are based upon existing recorded sound and activity levels from both entertainment sound and ambient noises such as traffic,” the PMP states.
“Each sound category area includes sound management criteria that set the maximum entertainment sound levels a venue within the precinct may emit at specific times of the day and week.”
There are also limits to ensure amenity is maintained for people in nearby accommodation (including hotels, aged care and people’s homes).
Meeting documents state that GMC is also planning for a trial of the SEP conditions, which is expected to run for between 12 and 18 months at a future date.
Councillor Daniel Strickland called for people to have their say to further refine the SEP proposal.
“I encourage people to have a read and have a look [at the documents], but this isn’t a done deal.
“This is now going out to the community to consult … it’s an opportunity to really bring life and vibrancy to our community, particularly in that after-hours time frame.”
The SEP’s planning proposal states that a decision by the NSW Government on the gateway determination is expected in early 2026.
Once that decision is made, further community consultation and council’s decision on whether it adopts the SEP are expected to happen in 2026.
Related documents, including the PMP and the planning proposal, are available on the council’s website as attachments to the council’s December meeting.
