City to consult on night economy
The City of Sydney has started a consultation process to help inform the development of a new late-night economy policy.
Industry stakeholders met with Lord Mayor Clover Moore for a roundtable meeting last Friday.
Among the groups represented at the meeting were the Australian Hotels Association, the NSW Small Bars Association, the Liquor Stores Association, the Sydney Business Chamber, Clubs NSW and government agencies including NSW Police, the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Tourism NSW and Events NSW.
The consultation process will also involve the general public through an online forum and through community forums to be held in Kings Cross, Potts Point, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, the Central City, Pyrmont, Glebe, Newtown and the city’s south in Green Square and Rosebery.
The city will also conduct vox pops on Sydney’s streets at night and will hold focus group sessions with industry and community stakeholders.
The city has also commissioned researchers to look at the value of the night-time economy and to assess international evidence about what makes cities safe at night.
Moore said that to develop a “truly robust” policy, the city needed the input of both the community and industries, combined with evidence-based research.
“We have a long way to go in giving people greater choices if they are heading out at night — from a street bar with live music to an energetic club to an inspiring art exhibition or bookshop,” she said.
“Your input, a comprehensive public engagement process and extensive research will inform our final policy.
“The city is preparing a comprehensive report examining pedestrian volumes, anti-social behaviour, and how people enter and leave late-night entertainment areas.
“And we have commissioned cost-benefit analysis to measure the economic value of Sydney’s nightlife, as well as the economic costs. This research is expected mid-year and will feed into the development of the late-night policy.”
A draft discussion paper will go to the council later this year, with a draft policy expected to go to the council before year’s end. The policy will then be on public exhibition from early 2012.
info: Visit www.sydneyyoursay.com.au/nighteconomy
