newy.com.au – Clubs on Crown land across NSW will be able to offer outdoor dining without applying for development approval under planning changes aimed at expanding hospitality and entertainment options across the state.
The Minns government says the change will apply to hundreds of registered clubs on Crown land, including bowling clubs, RSLs, surf clubs and golf clubs, bringing them into line with other businesses that have already benefited from outdoor dining reforms.
While outdoor dining at those venues will be treated as exempt development, clubs will still have to meet development standards covering patron safety, amenity, access and parking for people with disability.
The government is also preparing changes for Special Entertainment Precincts, with proposals to broaden the types of activities allowed in those areas. NSW now has nine Special Entertainment Precincts, up from one when the Minns government took office in 2023, and 24 councils are considering establishing new precincts.
The proposed changes, to go on public exhibition next month, include allowing community facilities such as town halls to host pop-up events without a development application, expanding rooftop dining and entertainment, making it easier to convert empty shops and offices into licensed small entertainment venues such as wine bars and restaurants, and using commercial buildings and car parks for temporary live music or community events.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said the measures would build on the growth of entertainment precincts across NSW.
“As we rebuild the night-time economy we’re seeing a wave of special entertainment precincts being established across NSW. This proposal will allow those communities to make those precincts even more exciting for patrons and venue operators,” Mr Graham said.
“After ending the lockout era, and cutting huge amounts of red tape for venue operators, we’re now going a step further by unlocking vibrancy for our clubs on crown land, and super charging our Special Entertainment Precincts.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the reforms would give people more places to gather and help businesses expand their offering.
“The Minns Labor Government is cutting red tape which will enable more outdoor dining, rooftop bars and entertainment right across the state,” Mr Scully said.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said easing rules for clubs on Crown land would support local economies.
“By cutting red tape on outdoor dining across hundreds of clubs on Crown Land, we’re making it easier for these iconic venues to create jobs, boost local spending and deliver great experiences for visitors and locals alike,” Mr Kamper said.
