Guidelines for Dance Parties - Division of Local Government - NSW ...

Guidelines for Dance PartiesFor bus charter enquiries contact the local bus company or:◆ State Transit Authority of NSW - level 29, 100 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060.Telephone (02) 9245 5777◆ The Bus and Coach Association of NSW - 27 Villiers Street, North Parramatta, NSW2151. Telephone (02) 9630 8655For rural areas it may be a good idea for patrons to camp overnight. If this option is chosen,extra conditions may be set by the local Council.NOISENoise pollution has been a major problem with dance parties in the past. Sometimes therehave been noise complaints from residents up to 10 kilometres away from the party. This kindof extreme noise has often meant that the Police have had to close dance parties down. It isdifficult to stipulate a maximum allowable noise output as this will vary with the venue conditionsand the distance to neighbouring residents. The way the speakers are placed has a criticaleffect on noise output. Speakers should be positioned to ensure minimum disruption toresidential areas and noise restrictions should become more strict after midnight.Each venue will have its own individual requirements. The suitability of a venue depends on, forexample, the type of material the building is made from and whether it is mechanically ventilatedor air conditioned. When selecting a venue, you could use an acoustical engineer to advise onits acoustic suitability. He or she could also prepare a noise report for the application toCouncil which would show the likely impact of the party on nearby residential properties.Noise levels should be set to minimise the impact on neighbouring properties, and to avoidhearing damage to workers and patrons at the event.Noise levels of 35dB(A) at any neighbouring residential area including camping areas (unlessthe camping area has been created for event patrons) are generally not a nuisance. Asexposure to noise levels of over 85dB(A) for more than eight hours can cause hearing damage,it is recommended that noise above this level should be for a limited time only. OccupationalHealth and Safety regulations require that promoters assess the risks to workers and creatework practices to minimise exposure to this level of noise.Promoters must talk with the local Council to find out what noise restrictions will apply toparticular events and venues. As an option you could have an acoustical engineer at the partyto monitor compliance with the noise level limits set by the local Council. As noise levelsduring the setting up of the speakers and amplification system may cause excessive noiseemissions from the premises, these should also be monitored.You may also have to apply for an approval or licence under the Noise Control Act from theEnvironment Protection Authority, especially if the dance party is a large outdoor event. Talkto the local Council or the local Environment Protection Authority office for details. TheEnvironment Protection Authority has published an Environment Noise Control Manual to helpprovide practical solutions to noise problems. They can be contacted via the Telstra WhitePages, or at Citadel Towers, 799 Pacific Highway, Chatswood, telephone (02) 9795 5000 orfacsimile (02) 9325 5678. If the dance party is to be held on licensed premises, promotersmust also talk to the Department of Gaming and Racing about noise levels.13