Amped up: Noise restrictions talk gets louder as Premier weighs in

The Mandurah Mail has recently highlighted the risk posed to the Peel region's live music scene as a result of increased noise complaints from neighbouring residential developments and subsequent tough restrictions.

Music venues in the heart of Mandurah have spoken out about the regulations, which prevent them from hosting live music shows and nighttime entertainment and have asked local and state governments to help them revitalise the city's entertainment scene by reviewing the laws.

Both Mr McGowan and Mr Templeman said it was an issue that had already been brought to their attention and one they hoped to work together with local business owners on to resolve.

Mr McGowan said areas of Northbridge were undertaking a trial where noise restrictions were changed to benefit entertainment venues and this would be a gauge of whether other areas could follow suit.

"I think most people think noise restrictions are reasonable - but often it depends on who has been there first," he said.

"Northbridge has been an entertainment venue for a long period of time, so new residents will have to accept this - it is part of the appeal.

"There might be areas of Mandurah that this could apply."

Mr Templeman said collaboration would be key to finding a solution that suited all parties, but he was open to helping local venues and artists.

"I think there is some opportunity to move in Mandurah, absolutely," he said.

"The CBD is the key area we're talking about. There are residents that live there but there are also businesses and venues that want to do more activity, particularly around the Brighton Hotel.

"I think there are some solutions to be reached between the local government, the venues and the department that oversees this.

"We are very happy to continue talking to those operators because we want to see live music.

"We have some great musicians that are developing. The government is looking at how we can reach good outcomes over how live venues are maintained but of course the interests of residents are also considered."

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Regional Development Australia Peel director John Lambrecht has also spoken up about the issue plaguing Mandurah businesses, backing the call to relax local noise restrictions.

Mr Lambrecht said the importance of entertainment in the CBD to stimulate local economy could not be overstated.

A recent report into the economic impact of the music industry in WA found that, in a two-year timeframe, contemporary music generated $655 million in total revenue, $330 million in value-add, employment for almost 3000 people (as their main job) and wages and salaries of $149 million.

"Live music is an integral part of activating city precincts and tends to benefit businesses participating in hosting music and those in the vicinity of music performances," Mr Lambrecht said.

"It is a unique selling point for businesses in these sectors, helping them stand out from their competitors in the vicinity and adding to the experiences on offer.

"Introduction of revised legislation would add benefit to the work the City of Mandurah is currently doing to activate the CBD and foreshore areas in line with their Arts, Heritage and Culture Strategy ... they are doing a great job with this activation but simultaneously are tasked with enforcing the noise regulations."

Mr Lambrecht, who also co-manages the John Butler Studio in Fairbridge and distributes for local artists, said the RDA have been advocating for revised noise restrictions in the CBD "for some time".

"Introduction of revised legislation would add benefit to the work the City of Mandurah is currently doing to activate the CBD and Foreshore areas in line with their strategy," he said.

"At the moment they have an issue where they are doing a great job with this activation, but simultaneously are tasked with enforcing the noise regulations."

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