2020-05-18 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                      18 MAY 2020


Assessment of Request
The Surf Club was redeveloped in 2019 and opened early 2020. Entertainment noise testing has
been conducted to determine the appropriate entertainment noise source limits by an
independent acoustic engineer including establishing existing background noise. The report by
SoundBASE Consulting Engineers was prepared as per the Office of Liquor and Gaming
Regulation (OLGR) requirements. This report has been peer reviewed by Council’s
Environmental Health Co-ordinator.
The report lends support to the requested change in that it aligns with the OLGR criteria which
requires noise measurements be conducted by an approved acoustics engineer before
determining noise emissions from different activities.
Existing Condition 8 was included in the 2017 approval as the best possible condition at that time
which was prior to the construction of the existing building. Now constructed, this type of building,
based on design and size and noise testing completed, it is possible for background noise from
patrons and light entertainment to reach 90dBA. Any other entertainment noise (may include a
small rock band or Karaoke) could breach the existing condition on every occasion when tested
at 3 meters from the source and would be in the range of 95dBC to 100dBC.
The OLGR uses a different frequency weighting to measure noise (LA10) than identified in
existing Condition 8 (dBA). This is explained as follows:
Existing Condition 8 refers to ‘dBA’ which technically is described as A Weighting which is the
most common weighting that is used in noise measurement. Like the human ear, this effectively
cuts off the lower and higher frequencies that the average person cannot hear.
The proposed change to Condition 8 uses LA10 which is the A-weighted (weighted sound level)
where the human ear responds more to frequencies between 500 Hz and 8 kHz and is less
sensitive to very low-pitch or high-pitch noises. The frequency weightings used in sound level
meters are often related to the response of the human ear, to ensure that the meter is measuring
pretty much what you actually hear. LA10 the A-weighted, sound level just exceeded for 10% of
the measurement period, is calculated by statistical analysis.
The acoustic testing criteria followed determines the maximum permitted noise level which is
designed to ensure the amenity of the local area is protected and that the licensee does not
generate noise that would be considered unreasonable. Therefore the requested change of
condition 8 aligns with Regulation 40 of the Liquor Regulations 2202 and is appropriate for the
constructed venue.
It is noted that the applicant seeks no change to the approved operating hours as per below:
14.   The use may operate 7 days a week from 10am to 12am (with the exception of New Year’s
      Eve where it may operate until 2am). The outdoor dining area is not to be utilised after
      10pm.


4.    DRAFT PLANNING SCHEME
The requested change does not raise any issues under the draft Planning Scheme.


5.    CONSULTATION
5.1. Referral Agencies
No Referral Agencies were required to be notified for this application.
5.2. Other Referrals
The application was forwarded to the following internal Council specialists:
    Co-ordinator, Environmental Health


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