Minor Change - Planning Report 15.08.2025 · MCU17/0024.03

The proposed noise limits are inclusive of all noise emanating from the premises, including amplified
and non-amplified entertainment and patron noise, and must be measured with a fast response.
Alterations or changes to the premises or landscape that could vary the location of any CEML's or make
their location unidentifiable must not be undertaken without the authority of Noosa Council and the
Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming.

These proposed noise limits are derived from a comprehensive acoustic assessment that investigated
potential noise impacts in relation to 'unreasonable noise' as defined in the Liquor Act 1992 and Liquor
Regulation 2002. Their adoption will ensure that noise emanating from the club does not exceed
regulatory limits, effectively protecting the amenity of the closest residents to the club.

In addition, the applicant seeks to include in Condition 8 the ‘Risk Assessed Management Plan (RAMP)
which contains information about the procedures and practices, prescribed under Section 38A of the
Liquor Regulation 2002, for the conduct of business at the premises. The RAMP provides practical
proactive measures to manage noise levels so to not exceed noise levels at the CEML’s.

Some of these very effective, practical operational and management measures, which are already
included in the clubs RAMP are but not limited to:

    •     Periodic checking and record keeping of noise levels at the CEML locations using a sound level
          meter. This includes record keeping of any noise complaints received and noise levels
          measured by venue staff/management at the time of a complaint.

    •     Taking proactive measures to reduce noise levels as required, such as:

               o   closure of doors/windows

               o   lowering output noise levels of amplified loudspeakers

               o   encouraging large or noisy groups of patrons to be mindful of the community and/or
                   dine indoors at times when noise limits are lower (such as after 10:00pm), at the
                   discretion of the venue manager/duty manager.

3.2 Deletion of Conditions 9, 10, and 11: Towards a More Effective Noise Management Strategy

The application specifically requests the deletion of existing Conditions 9, 10, and 11, which relate to
the mandatory use and calibration of a sound limiting device. The sound limiting device is part of the in
house sound system and controls amplified and/or non-amplified noise when occurring through this
system.

As established in Acoustic Report 2, sound limiting devices are inherently ineffective in mitigating noise
generated by patrons. In scenarios where patron noise alone leads to exceedance of noise limits at the
CEMLs, a sound limiting device provides no mechanism for reduction. Additionally, given that portable
loudspeakers can be used for amplified entertainment, these devices would not operate for systems not
linked to the permanent sound system, further diminishing their effectiveness,

Therefore, the provisions of Conditions 9, 10 and 11 are ineffectual as they do not provide for overall
noise mitigation. The RAMP can manage noise (including patron noise) far more effectively than the


RG Strategic                           Planning Report – Minor Change Application                            6