NSW Government revokes Clover’s DCP

The NSW Government revoked the City of Sydney’s amendments to its development control plan (DCP) for late-night trading on Tuesday.

Minister for Planning Tony Kelly said the Council had taken a “one size fits all” approach which was an inappropriate use of planning powers.

“The proposed changes would allow the council to continually review conditions for operating hours and patron capacity at 14 days notice,” he said.

“…along with subjecting premises to potentially endless rolling trial periods for operating hours beyond base ‘approved hours’.

“This creates uncertain working conditions for licensed premises and other businesses who say this would result in the loss of thousands of jobs and economic investment in the city.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore hit back at the Minister, branding his move a ‘cave in’ to big liquor.

“This is an outrageous move by a State Government in its dying days, proving they care more about vested interests than they do about the community and the impacts of alcohol related violence,” she said.

But Mr Kelly said the government had to consider alternate initiatives.

“I am keen to establish a whole of government taskforce to look at the issue of late night trading,” he said.

“It is considered that this would be more effective in ensuring community safety and amenity concerns are addressed whilst providing certainty of regulation of industry.”

In a statement Mr Kelly highlighted recent NSW Police figures showing central Sydney no longer has any Level 1 (venues with 19 or more incidents a year), following the introduction of tough NSW Government restrictions on such venues.

But according to the City of Sydney, there has been no reduction in the level of assaults with over 4000 recorded this year to the month of September.

By Simon Black