Frequently Asked Questions

Under the Act a SEP is an area which:

(a) sound from entertainment activity from premises in the area is regulated in accordance with a precinct management plan, and

(b) requirements about sound attenuation included in a precinct management plan apply to certain types of development in the area, and

(c) dedicated live music and performance venues are authorised to trade for an additional 60 minutes under the Liquor Act 2007, section 12A(4).

Canley Heights Town Centre

Canley Vale Town Centre

The SEPs will begin as a 12-month trial on 28 November, 2025 in Canley Heights and Canley Vale.

Council is implementing Special Entertainment Precincts in Canley Heights and Canley Vale to support a safe, vibrant, and diverse night-time economy. The SEPs aim to:

• Encourage live music, performance, and cultural activity.
• Provide certainty for businesses, residents, and visitors about how entertainment sound is managed.
• Strengthen the local visitor economy by extending trading hours for compliant venues.
• Create local jobs and support local small businesses.

The SEPs will fall under the management frameworks and noise control parameters set out in the Precinct Management Plan (PMP). The PMP will be placed on Council’s webpage from 28 November, 2025. 

The PMP establishes:

• Operating certainty for existing and future entertainment venues.
• Clear sound management standards.
• Guidance for residential development near the SEPs to maintain amenity.

The establishment of both SEPs is supported by an amendment to the Fairfield Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2013.

Yes. The sound management criteria that apply to the SEPs (outlined in Part 9 – Sound Management of the Precinct Management Plan) will be incorporated into the Fairfield City-Wide DCP 2024. These provisions will apply to new mixed-use developments constructed within each SEP area.

Applications in SEP areas must:

• Comply with Fairfield City-Wide DCP 2024 and Canley Corridor DCP No. 37.
• Include an acoustic assessment meeting PMP noise criteria.
• Demonstrate compliance with relevant State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs).
• Incorporate sound insulation measures.

Licensed venues are regulated by Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) under the Liquor Act 2007.

Unlicensed venues are regulated by Council, in line with the PMP’s Sound Management Framework.

NSW Police respond to matters involving public order or anti-social behaviour.

The PMP applies to both licensed and unlicensed premises providing entertainment within each SEP. It regulates:

• Sound management for indoor and outdoor entertainment activities.
• Operating and trading hours.
• Compliance procedures for managing entertainment sound.

It does not apply to non-entertainment-related noise such as machinery, plant, traffic, or aircraft.

Since 1 July 2024, SEPs are not subject to the POEO Act 1997 for entertainment sound.

• Licensed premises are regulated by L&GNSW under the Liquor Act.
• Unlicensed premises are regulated by Council, in line with the Sound Management Framework (Part 9) of the PMP.
• NSW Police respond only to matters involving public order or anti-social behaviour.

Under Section 202 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council can extend trading hours in SEPs:

Businesses must lodge a development application with:

• A Plan of Management; and 
• An acoustic report addressing the PMP’s sound criteria. Council will assess potential impacts on neighbourhood amenity before determining the DA.

Council may suspend or revoke a business or precinct’s SEP status if issues cannot be resolved.

This means losing access to extended trading hours and SEP incentives. Before suspension or revocation:

• Council will mediate with the business, NSW Police, and L&GNSW.
• All reasonable remediation options must be explored. Decisions must be made in writing, informed by consultation with relevant agencies.

Within the SEP, any complaints related to entertainment sound from both licensed and un- licenced premises should first be directed in a civil manner to the business. If a resolution in not reached, then a complaint can be made to the following agencies:

The below diagram illustrates the relevant lead regulator based on the type of complaint.

Formal complaints about licensed venues should be made in accordance with NSW Liquor & Gaming Statutory Disturbance Complaint Guidelines.

• Online: Statutory Disturbance Complaint Form
• More info: Noise Complaints – Liquor & Gaming NSW
• Email: sound.compliance@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au 
• Phone: 1300 024 720

Complaints about unlicensed premises can be made through:

• The Reporting Issues (Service Requests) form on Council’s website, or
• By calling (02) 9725 0222 for urgent matters.

Council will contact both the complainant and the business to clarify the issue and seek a commitment to address the disturbance.

If the problem persists, Council will facilitate a mediation meeting between both parties with relevant officers present to help reach a resolution in line with the Good Neighbourhood Policy.

Ongoing or serious non-compliance will be reviewed against the Precinct Management Plan (Part 8) criteria.

Council may consider suspending or revoking a business’s SEP status, in consultation with Liquor & Gaming NSW, NSW Police, and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. Decisions are based on evidence of repeated breaches or unacceptable impacts on community amenity.