FAQs

Changes to the DCP are necessary to ensure that future developments are appropriately planned and designed to integrate with the proposed SEP in Cronulla. The changes include: 

• A new chapter will be added to explain the SEP initiative and how it works, and complementary changes are proposed to other existing chapters.
• The changes aim to ensure that, as new development happens in Cronulla over time, venues and other land uses (such as residential accommodation) are carefully planned and compatible.
• An ‘agent of change’ rule will apply - meaning whoever is making the change (including new or modified venues and residential buildings) is responsible for managing noise impacts. 
• New and upgraded venues and buildings may need to implement noise-reducing measures. 
• Clear guidance will be added on when an acoustic report is needed, who can prepare it, and what it must show.

“Sensitive receivers” are places where noise can easily disturb people. This includes homes, hotels and other visitor accommodation, schools, education facilities, places of worship, health facilities, and commercial premises.

The proposed DCP includes rules to help protect these places from excessive noise from entertainment venues.

The proposed DCP changes will apply to any new development application on land shown in the Sound Category Maps, which were exhibited in March and April 2026 as part of the Precinct Management Plan. We are currently considering feedback on these maps.

This includes new or upgraded entertainment venues, new homes or apartments, and mixed-use buildings with shops or commercial spaces. 

The goal is to make sure new development is designed in a way that supports a vibrant and safe night‑time economy in Cronulla, while still protecting the comfort of people living nearby.

The DCP requires relevant applicants to engage noise experts to address a range of matters when preparing their applications.

It requires new and modified venues to demonstrate they can meet the Precinct Management Plan’s entertainment-related sound limits for nearby sensitive receivers, and for people occupying the same building.

It also requires new or modified sensitive receivers to illustrate that future occupants will not be exposed to excessive entertainment-related sound.

The ‘agent of change’ principle means that whoever is proposing the change (whether it’s a new entertainment venue or a new residential development) is responsible for managing and reducing any noise impacts.

In practice, this means new or modified developments must include appropriate noise‑mitigation measures to protect existing homes, accommodation, schools and other sensitive places.

The 'agent of change' principle is built into the proposed DCP changes.

We have used the entertainment sound definition as identified in the Local Government Act 1993.

It includes sound coming from live or recorded music, activities such as karaoke, trivia, bingo and comedy, along with functions and food and drink services.

It also covers the entry or exit of people to/from premises on which the activities are being carried out, and staff announcements and sound caused by patrons.

We have a vision for Cronulla town centre as a thriving, vibrant and safe night-time economy. 

The Cronulla Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) initiative will help deliver on this vision, and forms part of the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms.

You can find out more from our consultation on the SEP proposal here. 

Between March and April 2026, we consulted with our community about a proposed SEP and the associated Precinct Management Plan (PMP). 

The PMP explained the key ideas behind the SEP, including proposed trading hours, sound limits for entertainment venues and good‑neighbour practices for venues.

We thank everyone who took the time to share their views and provide feedback. You can now read the consultation results here. 

We started the SEP initiative in late 2024, asking our community whether a SEP should be considered for Cronulla. We received strong levels of support. We also heard that safety, reducing anti‑social behaviour, and providing the right amenities for night‑time activity are important priorities for the community. You can find out more about the consultation here. 

A separate report was prepared for the April Council meeting on the DCP changes, and this exhibition reflects the Council resolution in relation to that report.