Delayed court decision speeds up after complaints

By Roje Adaimy

A decision determining the future of Kings Cross’ Ladylux night club will be handed down within the next week, according to the Chief Judge of the NSW Land and Environment Court.
The president of the Potts Point and Kings Cross Heritage Conservation Society, Andrew Woodhouse,was advised by Justice Brian Preston of when the decision will be made following a formal complaint about the length of time taken to complete the matter.
The City of Sydney Council began proceedings against Ladylux back in February, for allegedly continuing to operate on their Roslyn Street premises without authorisation. The club lost its appeal last year to continue trading at its current location because of its proximity to residential areas.
“The club has continued to operate until all hours of the morning causing public nuisance with club patrons yelling, abusing, fighting, smashing bottles and urinating on the street and in the lane right next to residents’ bedrooms, some of whom sleep with ear plugs because of the club’s concrete-penetrating doof-doof music, which continues until well after 3am,” Mr Woodhouse said.
The court case was heard over 10 weeks ago, but judgement is still reserved.
Meanwhile, Potts Point and Kings Cross Heritage Conservation Society invited Justice Preston to a community meeting to explain the intricacies of how the court works.
“After all, Justice Preston speaks to industry groups, environment lawyers’ conferences and others with a vested interest in the court . . . why not speak to the community'” Mr Woodhouse said.