Wollongong CBD Night Time Economy Policy

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Consultation has concluded

At the meeting of 21 September 2020, Council resolved to exhibit the draft Wollongong CBD Night Time Economy (NTE) Policy for community feedback.

We have developed the draft NTE policy to provide clarity to local operators regarding operating hours permitted in the CBD and development application requirements for these businesses, whilst encouraging a diverse NTE and supporting low impact businesses. Targeted preliminary consultation has been undertaken, including workshops with relevant Council divisions and Wollongong Police. The policy was well received and has been amended to reflect feedback we received.

Following exhibition and consideration of any submissions, the draft NTE Policy will be updated to incorporate any relevant post-exhibition amendments.

Wollongong's Night Time Economy

The Wollongong CBD NTE has evolved significantly over recent years, with ongoing growth in the number of new cafes, restaurants and small bars, adding to the cosmopolitan café style of the city. At the same time, alcohol-related crime has continued to fall, whilst increased venues and significant public and private investment has resulted in increasing residential and employment opportunities in the city.

Since 2012, 110 new food and drink venues have commenced operating in the Wollongong CBD. Over this time the latest crime statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show that incidents of Alcohol-Related Assault (non-domestic) occurring during the night (6 pm-6 am) per 100,000 population has decreased at a rate of 8.0% per annum.

The NSW Government has continued to evolve its NTE policy settings over recent years and local operators are seeking more clarity from Council around planning matters, particularly hours of operation for smaller licensed venues. NSW Liquor and Gaming already provides default operating hours until 2am for small bar licences, subject to local development consent. Given this sector has been severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and closures, this project has the potential to contribute to Wollongong's COVID-19 recovery.

Which areas does the draft policy apply to?

The draft policy applies to land zoned B3 Commercial Core, B4 Mixed Use and SP3 Tourist within the Wollongong City Centre, as defined by the Wollongong Local Environment Plan 2009. Please see the map below or visit Council’s Planning and Environment Map: https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/development/maps(External link)

The draft policy applies to certain land uses within these zones. A full list of applicable land uses is provided in the draft policy’s SCOPE section with definitions included in APPENDIX 1.

Please note that the draft policy would apply to the assessment of new development applications and modifications for specified low impact businesses. The draft policy does not automatically extend existing business hours.

How to share your thoughts 

If you’re Deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact us through the National Relay Service(External link). You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111. If you need an interpreter you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service(External link) on 131450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111.

Please read Council's Privacy Notification (External link)before submitting your feedback.

Submissions close 20 October 2020

At the meeting of 21 September 2020, Council resolved to exhibit the draft Wollongong CBD Night Time Economy (NTE) Policy for community feedback.

We have developed the draft NTE policy to provide clarity to local operators regarding operating hours permitted in the CBD and development application requirements for these businesses, whilst encouraging a diverse NTE and supporting low impact businesses. Targeted preliminary consultation has been undertaken, including workshops with relevant Council divisions and Wollongong Police. The policy was well received and has been amended to reflect feedback we received.

Following exhibition and consideration of any submissions, the draft NTE Policy will be updated to incorporate any relevant post-exhibition amendments.

Wollongong's Night Time Economy

The Wollongong CBD NTE has evolved significantly over recent years, with ongoing growth in the number of new cafes, restaurants and small bars, adding to the cosmopolitan café style of the city. At the same time, alcohol-related crime has continued to fall, whilst increased venues and significant public and private investment has resulted in increasing residential and employment opportunities in the city.

Since 2012, 110 new food and drink venues have commenced operating in the Wollongong CBD. Over this time the latest crime statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show that incidents of Alcohol-Related Assault (non-domestic) occurring during the night (6 pm-6 am) per 100,000 population has decreased at a rate of 8.0% per annum.

The NSW Government has continued to evolve its NTE policy settings over recent years and local operators are seeking more clarity from Council around planning matters, particularly hours of operation for smaller licensed venues. NSW Liquor and Gaming already provides default operating hours until 2am for small bar licences, subject to local development consent. Given this sector has been severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and closures, this project has the potential to contribute to Wollongong's COVID-19 recovery.

Which areas does the draft policy apply to?

The draft policy applies to land zoned B3 Commercial Core, B4 Mixed Use and SP3 Tourist within the Wollongong City Centre, as defined by the Wollongong Local Environment Plan 2009. Please see the map below or visit Council’s Planning and Environment Map: https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/development/maps(External link)

The draft policy applies to certain land uses within these zones. A full list of applicable land uses is provided in the draft policy’s SCOPE section with definitions included in APPENDIX 1.

Please note that the draft policy would apply to the assessment of new development applications and modifications for specified low impact businesses. The draft policy does not automatically extend existing business hours.

How to share your thoughts 

If you’re Deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact us through the National Relay Service(External link). You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111. If you need an interpreter you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service(External link) on 131450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111.

Please read Council's Privacy Notification (External link)before submitting your feedback.

Submissions close 20 October 2020