Fillmore’s Cafe owner Morgan Lewis, Labor Spokesperson for Kiama Sarah Kaine and Central Perk Cafe owner Cameron Thomas sign the petition for a special entertainment precinct in Kiama. Photo: Sarah Kaine.
The fight for Kiama’s right to party has united people across the political spectrum.
A push for the establishment of a special entertainment precinct in Kiama has the support of MP Gareth Ward, Labor Spokesperson for Kiama Dr Sarah Kaine, community advocate Katelin McInerney and the owners of Central Perk and Fillmore cafes.
Special entertainment precincts are areas defined by local councils where hours of trade can be extended and requirements on amplified music that would normally be in place under the NSW Liquor Act 2007 do not apply.
A council identifies a precinct by amending its local environmental plan and publishing a noise management plan on its website.
Liquor and Gaming NSW then handles any noise complaints related to the precinct.
The NSW Government initiative is intended to support more live entertainment.
A petition to establish a special entertainment precinct in Kiama was started by community advocate Katelin McInerney, after multiple attempts from local businesses to encourage live music and extended trading at their venues in the Kiama Town Centre.
“I’ve been saddened to see that the venues and opportunities I had growing up really haven’t grown in our town since then,” she said.
“While we have wonderful one-off days and events, creating a vibrant live performance scene for locals and visitors requires a dedicated space.
“Establishing an entertainment precinct in Kiama would help venues foster the year-round scene that people of all ages can enjoy.”
Central Perk Cafe owner Cameron Thomas said the precinct would be a huge boost to hospitality businesses, who had battled increased costs on top of the aftereffects of the pandemic.
He said more entertainment options and increased trading hours would give customers an incentive to spend.
“I’ve owned the cafe since 2021 and have always opened until 5 pm; I’m the only person open after 2 to 3 pm,” he said.
“There are 30-odd rastaurants and cafes in Kiama; staffing and resources are tight, so any initiative to boost the night-time economy and support hospitality and tourism I think will be valuable for the community.”
Sarah Kaine, Labor Spokesperson for Kiama, threw her support behind the petition and said longer trading hours would mean more jobs.
“I am proud to join with Katelin and the community members and business owners of Kiama in supporting this petition for a special entertainment precinct in the Kiama Town Centre,” she said.
“This initiative promises not only to enhance the local cultural vibrancy, but also holds tremendous potential for job creation and economic development.”
Kiama MP Gareth Ward has submitted a formal request to the NSW Government to support the initiative, which was first trialled in Sydney’s Inner West two years ago.
“As the local MP, I am keen to work with Kiama Council to progress this matter,” he said.
“Following the Inner West Council trial in late 2022, I believe these precincts can be a wonderful opportunity for small business and young performance artists alike.
“I know of many local businesses in Kiama that would relish the opportunity to stay open later and attract patrons by hosting live music in their venues under more flexible arrangements.”
A Kiama Council spokesperson said they were working with the 24-hour Economy Commissioner but would not say whether they supported the push for a special entertainment precinct in Kiama.
The council is engaged in a court battle with Fillmore’s Cafe over noise complaints related to live music events.
The council spokesperson said the council wanted more community input.
“Kiama Council is currently working with the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner as part of developing a night-time economy strategy suitable for our community,” the spokesperson said.
“This work is a result of the ‘Vibrancy Reforms’ recently introduced by the NSW Government as well as the council’s own Kiama Town Centre Study.
“Council welcomes all input from our community on this issue.
“This includes any petitions, which are managed in accordance with our Petitions Policy (2023).”
Community members who wish to support the establishment of a special entertainment precinct in Kiama can sign the petition at Central Perk Cafe at 84 Terralong Street, Kiama or Fillmore’s Cafe at Unit 2/38-40 Manning St, Kiama.
Loading ...
