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The Sound Attenuation Support Program has been developed by the Department of Culture and the Arts. The program aims to secure continued opportunities for the performance of live original contemporary music, while ensuring a reasonable level of amenity for residents.
The Sound Attenuation Support Program comprises of a number of strategies, including:
- Funding support for sound attenuation activities in live music venues.
- Developing information and education materials to inform all parties of their role in reaching the balance.
- Working with State and Local Government agencies to find a more mediatory approach to noise conflict resolution.
- Establishing a special cultural and live music and entertainment precinct within Northbridge.
1. CONFIRM
Where the noise may be coming from. Sometimes it could be from a number
of sources, not just live music.
2. CONTACT
If it is a live music venue, firstly contact the venue manager. If there is no response or success, then contact your local council.
3. COMMUNICATE
Your concerns regarding the noise and its impact, to the venue or your local council. Sometimes an immediate solution can be found.
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4 CONSIDER
An appropriate solution to the problem.
A mediated solution can be more effective than pursuing a formal complaint.
Despite its small population and isolation, Western Australia continues to produce some of Australia’s most talented bands and musicians.
These artists depend on local music venues, to gain exposure to audiences and develop a following. Without these venues many talented careers would not
be nurtured.
The Department of Culture and the Arts has been working directly with live music venues through the Sound Attenuation Support Program.
This support has included:
- Funding venues on a dollar-for-dollar basis to undertake sound attenuation and improvement work, and reduce
the effect on surrounding residents.
- Encouraging venues to adopt best practice approaches to sound management, to limit the situations where conflict can occur.
Live music venues have a critical role to play in managing their sound environment, your support is important in reaching the best possible mix.
Live music venues in your neighbourhood understand the importance of investing in and supporting local artists.
Western Australia’s outdoor lifestyle and cultural vitality is world renowned and enjoyed by us all.
With changing lifestyles, many Western Australian regions, suburbs and inner city areas offering social and entertainment options are becoming more popular with renters and buyers.
Being close to transport options, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs is now perceived to be an asset.
In general, these areas are ‘in demand’ because more people want to live, work and play in places that offer cultural, lifestyle and entertainment diversity.
Choosing to live in an area that is known for its live music and entertainment venues, may require a realistic adjustment of your expectations of amenity, due to these activities.
Keeping a harmonious balance between residents, venues, developers, patrons and businesses can be achieved.
If you are considering buying or moving into an area which is close to entertainment venues, investigate it fully before signing any contracts.
Be realistic about what existing features are in the area. Consider the mix of residential, businesses, restaurants, cafes, bars and other facilities. If there are live music venues near your home, consider the number of patrons they attract.
Is this likely to change in the future and if so, how?
Will the noise from these activities have an impact on your lifestyle?
Consider the time of day the noise may be created and whether there are busier nights of the week. Sometimes the noise is associated with traffic, patrons leaving or entering the premises, and not just the music or entertainment.
Ask the property agent or developer what sound insulation has been done – especially if it is a new building.
Spend time near the residence, during the day and night, before making a
final decision.
In particular, if you choose to live in close proximity to social and entertainment venues, understand that you may be affected by these activities.
The perception of ‘noise’ is subjective, and varies depending on the individual. Noise is usually defined as undesirable or unwanted sound that exceeds a relevant standard. In relation to live music, this generally occurs when the sound of music ‘breaks out’ from a venue and is considered to be noise.
In areas where there are live music venues, it is not always possible to eliminate all noise.
However there are a number of suggested ways to assist with reducing the amount or affect of noise entering your home. These include insulating walls and ceilings, the use of heavy curtains or drapes, and sealing gaps around doors and windows.
All of us are entitled to live in a reasonably quiet and comfortable environment.
If you have an issue about noise within your area, first establish where the noise is coming from. For example, is it coming from an entertainment venue or from a car playing loud music?
If the noise is coming from a live music venue, make contact with them.
The venue managers may not be aware of the inconvenience they are causing, and in some cases may be able to resolve the issue immediately.
Most venues have an after hours contact number for residents and local authorities. As a resident, it is reasonable to expect a prompt response to your complaint from the duty manager at the time or if that is not possible, from the approved manager the following day.
The venue should take into consideration all reasonable concerns and work towards finding a solution that benefits everyone.
Complaints from residents concerning noise from licensed premises are dealt with by your local council under the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997, or by the Department of Racing Gaming and Liquor under the Liquor Licensing Act 1988.
You can help by maintaining:
- keeping record or diary of days and times when noise levels were excessive; and
- copies of communication between you, the venue, and Local Government representatives.
It is important to recognise that the work required for a venue to reach full compliance is often expensive and can require major structural changes.
Structural attenuation works can take up to 12 months to complete, however the venue will generally be required to implement measures to reduce sound levels to a more reasonable level in the interim.
Thinking of taking action? It is best to contact your local council first.
They are first port of call and can assist in communications to help residents and the venue resolve issues as quickly as possible.
We thank the following for their invaluable contribution:
Western Australian Music Industry Association (WAM)
Members of the Department of Culture and the Arts Contemporary Music Panel
Fly by Night Musicians Club
The Swan Hotel
Australian Hotels Association (WA)
Hyde Park Precinct Group – Vincent
Fremantle Inner City Residents Association
City of Perth
Town of Vincent
City of Melbourne
Department of Environment and Conservation
East Perth Redevelopment Authority
Department of Racing Gaming and Liquor
This is an initiative of the
Sound Attenuation Support Program (SASP)
Administered by the Department of Culture and the Arts
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