Researchers from the Centre for Cultural Research (University of Western Sydney) are conducting a project on urban nightlife in Sydney.

It will address competing uses of urban space and the levels of planning and regulation required to foster night-time cultures and minimise alienation among different interest groups. The project will address issues of diversity, inclusiveness and public safety, and contribute to international interdisciplinary debates concerning cultural planning and crime prevention. Although unaffiliated with any sector of government, the project has the potential to influence policy development at the State and local government levels.

You're invited to give your thoughts on aspects of nightlife in your area through the project's online survey. You can access the survey here.

The first stage of the appeal was heard from 25-27 August. It didn't conclude within the allocated time, and will continue on 10th September 2009.

• In January 2008, The Gaff lodged a development application (D/2008/57) to expand its ground floor into the neighbouring premises and increase capacity by 60%.
• It was refused by Council in March 2008
• That decision was upheld by Council’s Small Permits Appeal Panel in August 2008
• The Gaff is now appealing in the Land & Environment Court
• The appeal will be heard from 25th to 27th August
• 65 people lodged submissions opposing the application through our website last year, and many more made individual submissions to Council
• If you were one of those who made a submission, you should have already received a letter from Council advising you of the appeal

It’s important that all residents and businesses affected by The Gaff’s operations present a strong case to the court.

You’ll be able to address the court on-site at 9.30 am on the 25th August.

What you need to do now:

• Let Louise Byrne, Council’s Senior Solicitor handling the matter, know that you wish to attend the hearing
  • Email her at lbyrne@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
  • Include a short list of dot points summarising your major concerns with the club’s application
• Attend the meeting Louise will organise to explain the court’s procedures on the day. We’ll send an email reminder when the date’s set for that
• Make time to attend the first part of the hearing on the morning of 25th August
• Let your neighbours know what’s happening and encourage them to be involved. It doesn’t matter if they didn’t make earlier submissions. If they’re impacted, it’s important to let the court know

Background information:
Development Application Assessment (Planners report) – March 2008
 

To help develop ways to assess and respond to impacts of alcohol, the Council initiated its Late Night Trading Research Project.

The project comprises two separate studies:

• The Late Night Trading: Community Perceptions research - commissioned to develop a broader understanding of both the positive and negative perceptions of residents towards their locality in general and night trading premises specifically, and
• Research undertaken by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) into the cumulative impact of night trading premises in defined areas of the Local Government Area

The studies are currently on exhibition and submissions are invited until Friday 31st July 2009.

For Level 1 of the premises at 31-33 Oxford Street, The Art of Spice Pty Ltd

• proposes to apply to the Casino, Liquor & Gaming Control Authority for a liquor licence; and
• has submitted a Development Application (D/2009/915) to the City of Sydney

Many of you have already received the applicant’s Notice of intention to apply for a liquor licence or a licence authorisation.

The period to provide feedback to the applicant in relation to the proposed liquor licence application ends on 24th July 2009.

The Development Application is on public exhibition until 22nd July 2009.

So now’s the time to have your say on both. You can make a submission on the Development Application here.