Project background
Read more about the background to the Special Entertainment Precinct Trial.
We are inviting Expressions of Interest to join the Special Entertainment Precinct working group.
Your voice will help ensure Byron Bay’s unique character is reflected in the precinct’s design, operation, and long-term vision.
A Special Entertainment Precinct is designed to create a vibrant, inclusive, and safe town centre—day and night. It sets trading hours and sound conditions together with:
- Community
- Local businesses
- State agencies.
Outcome from early consultation
Feedback collected during August and September helped to shape a Draft Precinct Management Plan and Draft Planning Proposal.
At the 27 November meeting, Council resolved to continue the process for a trial Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) for Byron Bay.
Read the Council Report 27 November 2025
Councillors voted to reduce the proposed footprint to remove emphasis from the southern end of town and focus activity more centrally within the business district.
Join the Precinct Working Group
Complete the form to make an Expressions of Interest to join the Precinct Working Group.
Members will provide input on:
- Sound management and trading hours
- Cultural programming and activation
- Community safety and amenity
- Evaluation of the precinct’s performance.
Positions we are looking to fill include:
- Up to four local business owners/operators within the SEP boundary (not current members of Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce).
- Up to four local residents living within or adjacent to the SEP boundary (gender and age balance where possible).
- Up to four creatives representing Creative Industries such as
- music
- visual arts
- public space activation
- live performance
- entertainment
- event organisations.
We welcome EOIs from individuals and representatives who share our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We also want members to bring a range of perspectives and experiences.
We will prioritise applications that can demonstrate a strong focus on:
- Noise management
- Community amenity
- Safety and accessibility
- Economic and cultural benefits
- Sustainability
- Inclusive representation
The remaining members will be appointed directly from key agencies and groups, including:
- Byron Bay Liquor Accord
- Byron Bay Masterplan Group
- Byron Chamber of Commerce
- Northern NSW Local Health District / NSW Ambulance
- Transport for NSW / Transport Operator
- Tweed & Byron Police District
- Liquor and Gaming NSW
- Destination Byron
- NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts)
- Arts Northern Rivers / Music NSW
During Establishment
Support planning and consultation
Help review the precinct management plan (sound framework, trading hours, compliance processes).
Assist with community engagement
- Participate in engagement and public exhibition.
- Help communicate changes and gather feedback.
Governance setup
- Agree on Terms of Reference
- Establish data-sharing agreements for evaluation.
During Trial and Operation
Monitor and evaluate impacts
- Noise compliance and sound management.
- Trading hours and activation diversity.
- Safety and anti-social behaviour.
- Community satisfaction and amenity.
Facilitate feedback loops
- Regular meetings with council, businesses, and agencies.
- Identify emerging issues and recommend solutions.
Advise on adjustments
Recommend changes to precinct management plan or DCP if needed.
Support ongoing activation
Encourage cultural programming and safe precinct initiatives for example Purple Flag accreditation.
If Issues Arise
- Help council assess whether thresholds for suspension or revocation are met.
- Contribute to reports and recommendations for remedial actions.
- Work with council, venues, and agencies to resolve compliance or safety concerns.
Key Dates
Friday 12 December 2025 to Saturday 31 January 2026
Expressions of Interest
March 2026
First meeting
Date to be confirmed
Further Information
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Watch to learn more about the precinct
Watch this webinar to learn more about the Special Entertainment Precinct.
