NOOSA JUNCTION PRECINCT MANAGEMENT MODELS ASSESSMENT (Referred from Planning and Environment Committee dated 8 July 2025 Item 7.1) · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                             14 JULY 2025


effective and balanced management is essential to preserving community wellbeing while supporting
the vitality and sustainability of local businesses and Noosa Junction as Major Activity Centre.

CURRENT REGULATORY ARRANGEMENTS

Office of Liquor and Gaming
In Queensland, the regulation of noise associated with licensed venues is governed by a framework
administered by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) under the Liquor Act 1992.
Licensed venues are required to adhere to specific noise conditions outlined in their liquor licence,
which are designed to ensure that noise generated by entertainment activities, patron behaviour,
and mechanical equipment (such as air conditioning units and generators) does not unreasonably
impact surrounding residents or businesses. These requirements are generally consistent with the
planning scheme requirements.

Effective noise management is a critical component of venue compliance, and licensees are
expected to implement appropriate mitigation measures to prevent disturbances. Failure to comply
with these conditions may result in enforcement action undertaken by OLGR, including penalties or
restrictions on trading conditions.

Collaborative Approach to Liquor Management (CALM ) Noosa Liquor Accord
Under Queensland’s Liquor Act 1992, licensees have a legal obligation to minimise harm associated
with alcohol misuse and related violence. In support of this objective, many communities across
Queensland have established liquor accords—voluntary partnerships involving licensed venues,
community organisations, law enforcement, and government agencies. These accords aim to foster
collaboration and implement practical strategies to enhance safety and reduce alcohol-related harm
in and around licensed premises.

The CALM Noosa Liquor Accord, which has been operating for approximately 15 years, covers the
entirety of the Noosa Shire. Its primary purpose is to promote responsible service of alcohol and
reduce alcohol-related incidents. The Accord currently comprises around 50 members, the majority
of whom represent local licensed venues.

Council is not a formal member of the Accord, however a representative from the OLGR regularly
attends meetings to provide regulatory insight and support collaborative efforts.

Noosa Plan 2020
Noosa Plan 2020 includes specific provisions aimed at managing the interface between
entertainment venues and residential development within and surrounding the Noosa Junction area.
These provisions include restrictions on hours of operation and amplified music for entertainment
venues, as well as requirements for acoustic attenuation in new residential developments located
adjacent to the Major Centre zone.

These measures are intended to protect residential amenity while supporting the continued vibrancy
of the Noosa Junction Hospitality Precinct. It is important to note that these provisions are not
retrospective and therefore apply only to new development applications submitted after the adoption
of the scheme. It is also noted that a majority of venues in Noosa Junction operate under existing
use rights or have interchangeable approvals, which would not require an application should the
venue change ownership or use type (eg changing from a shop to a restaurant).

PRECINCT MANAGMENT FRAMEWORKS

This report presents an overview of an investigation into potential frameworks to support and
manage live music and entertainment activities within Noosa Junction. In response to ongoing
interest from stakeholders and the community, Council has investigated several models—each with
distinct regulatory, operational, and financial implications. These include the Special Entertainment
Precinct (SEP), Safe Night Precinct (SNP), Harmony Project pilot, and Business Improvement