North Byron Parklands (NBP), home of Splendour in the Grass and Byron’s Falls Festival, has received permission to vary the noise controls on music events held there.
The company has also received permission to run multiple ‘small scale’ non music events at the site throughout the year.
The Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) has altered the existing sound limits so that lower-end frequencies are more clearly regulated.
Local groups including CONOS (Community of North Ocean Shores) have argued the move would adversely impact residents but North Byron Parklands’ GM Mat Morris says it brings the site into line with the vast majority of other music festivals around the country.
NBP was fined $3,000 for noise infractions at last year’s Splendour and a similar amount the year before, prompting CONOS to argue that the event be moved.
But Mr Morris said at the time that the existing noise limits were ‘unworkable’.
Echonetdaily understands the new regime would limit bass noise, which NBP says the highest impact on neighbours but allow more leniency at the middle and high end of the spectrum.
In making the determination the PAC stated, ‘The modification seeks an increase of the permitted noise limits, not the actual noise generated. This is contrary to the perception that the proponent requests to increase the actual noise emanating from the outdoor events.
‘The new restriction will not allow the proponent to increase the actual noise emanating from the events. Overall, it would assist the proponent to provide better noise management and to ensure that all necessary mitigation and management measures are in place across the two noise zones,’ the PAC determined.
Mr Morris said that setting absolute noise goals rather than ‘background plus limits’ allows for ‘a much more precise level of monitoring and management of sound at this venue.’
‘We are pleased that the PAC have recognised that Parklands’ previous operating conditions in relation to sound limits were not on a level playing field with other venues of its kind in Australia,’ he said.
‘We feel the PAC determination strikes the balance of preserving patron expectation and community amenity.
‘There are now clear parameters around “bottom-end” sound which had been previously unregulated.
‘We are confident that these new limits will improve the amenity for certain residents affected by bass or lower frequency sound from events,’ Mr Morris said.
Additional events
The PAC also approved an increase in the number of events held annually at the site, specifically allowing for smaller-sized community events.
‘Over the past few years we’ve been approached by numerous schools and community groups all wanting to use our home to stage small, low-impact events,’ Mr Morris said.
We welcome the PAC’s decision and we look forward to opening up our beautiful venue to these local groups,’ he added.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
