Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham MLC has been instrumental in addressing regulatory barriers and promoting a night-time economy.
Mr Graham said that the night-time economy for many years was “keeping people safe from themselves” and motivated by a belief that “nothing good happens after dark”.
The NSW Government is working hard to rebuild our night-time economy through its vibrancy reforms.
The NSW Productivity and Equality Commission undertook a report into the night-time economy and found that regulatory changes were needed to develop Special Entertainment Precincts; improving safety at the precincts; improved communication with enforcement agencies, Councils and businesses, thus strengthening positive public perceptions of nightlife.
Penrith and Parramatta Councils have undertaken a detailed community consultation process leading to comprehensive strategic plans being delivered and adopted.
Rather than having these comprehensive policies sitting on the shelf gathering dust, they have further developed into operational plans with real initiatives and outcomes.
Penrith Council delivered Penrith After Dark event in Memory Park and along High and Woodriff streets. The event had karaoke, neon mini-golf, various games, live mural workshop and even a silent disco (bring your own earphones).
Blacktown City has three strategic centres including Blacktown, Mt Druitt and Riverstone with each centre challenged in delivering a night-time economy.
Stephen Bali MP, NSW Member for Blacktown, said: NSW Government has provided seed funding to scope the night-time economy for Blacktown CBD.”
BREED Australia Inc received the funding and produced “The Gathering” report, that gave a detailed overview of the challenges and opportunities to establish a vibrant night-time precinct in the heart of Blacktown.
The report set ambitious goals to create a vibrant hub where creativity thrives, businesses flourish, and the community gathers, putting Blacktown on the map as a key destination in Western Sydney.
Mr Bail says that for Blacktown CBD to reinvigorate, stakeholder engagement is paramount to deliver what the public want for night-time activity.
“Business and stakeholder feedback is for a dedicated monthly event with entertainers and quality buskers; focus on promoting a Blacktown menu from our restaurants rather than food trucks; all shops trading late into the night with the appropriate mood lighting and fun family and teenager activities to create a safe family friendly ambience," he said.
“The tired old ways of run-of-the-mill promoted events, closing streets, having stage acts with little connection to the community, have out-of-town food truck vendors is not creating a vibrant city night-time economy.
“BREED Gathering Report has set the goal to create a vibrant night-time economy. Now is the time to collaborate with local businesses, coordinated by council with the involvement of stakeholders and community leaders to make Blacktown a safe destination and an exciting place to be at night.”
