A Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) is a designated area where the Council sets trading hours and sound conditions to support live performances while providing certainty for venues, residents, and businesses.

SEPs reduce administrative burdens, encourage live music, and help create a more vibrant nighttime economy.

The SEP will establish fixed, measurable sound limits for entertainment venues (measured at an external boundary) and internal noise limits for new and extended residential development and hotel and motel accommodation within and close to the Precinct.

This differs from the current approach where the assessment of noise disturbance complaints relates to whether the sound is considered “offensive”.

It:

• Won’t apply to sound disturbance from activity on the street
• Won’t apply to sound coming from non-entertainment venues such as shops and residences
• Won’t apply to mechanical sound such as ventilation equipment
• Won’t apply to sound from roads or the railway

The two Special Entertainment Precinct are proposed to be:

• Tamworth Central Business District – As a focal point for live entertainment, particularly during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. It is a key commercial and entertainment precinct that attracts a diverse range of visitors throughout the day and night.
• Longyard and Tamworth Sports and Entertainment Precinct – These establishments host significant events, including concerts, major equine and sporting events. This precinct is a significant economic driver for Tamworth and the Special Entertainment Precinct will ensure significant events remain a focal point for the precinct.

The two precincts align with the strategic vision of Tamworth as leading entertainment, cultural and events hub, and further reinforcing our reputation as the Country Music Capital of Australia.

• Establishes the Tamworth CBD and the Longyard and Tamworth Sports and Entertainment Precinct as areas where entertainment and live performances are supported and encouraged
• Specific fixed sound limits provide certainty to venue operators and the public
• Reduced liquor licensing fees when venues include live entertainment
• A 1-2 hour trading extension on nights with live performances
• An established sound complaints process
• Future residents in proximity are given forewarning of the SEP and applicable sound limits to be expected.
• Reduces land use conflict issues

Potential costs around additional sound attenuation measures to ensure sound limits are not exceeded.