The City of Perth has raised concerns about proposed State Government noise regulations for Northbridge, warning that stricter limits could affect live music venues, late-night entertainment and businesses operating within the precinct.

The proposed Environmental Protection (Noise) Amendment Regulations 2026 would establish a permanent regulatory framework for special entertainment precincts across Western Australia, building on reforms introduced for Northbridge earlier in the year.

While City officers supported the general intention of the reforms, they recommended seeking changes to several provisions before the regulations were finalised.

The main concern involved a proposed reduction in permitted music noise levels within Northbridge's core entertainment area from 90 decibels to 79 decibels between 2am and 5am on weekends.

The proposal also raised concerns about restrictions applying after midnight on weekdays.

Councillor Chris Patton, who is involved in operating several Northbridge entertainment venues, argued that the proposed limits could make late-night music and entertainment commercially unviable.

Patton said the special entertainment precinct had originally been intended to provide clearer operating conditions for venues while balancing the interests of nearby residents and businesses.

In December 2022, the City of Perth supported noise levels of up to 95 decibels within the precinct's core area.

However, the State Government's proposed framework would generally limit noise to 90 decibels, with a further reduction to 79 decibels during specified late-night periods.

Patton warned that even relatively small reductions in decibel levels could have a substantial effect on music venues because of the way sound intensity is measured.

City officers recommended that venues operating under approved noise limits should be permitted to maintain those levels throughout their authorised Saturday and Sunday trading hours.

They also proposed allowing venues to exceed 90 decibels where independent acoustic assessments demonstrated that noise reaching designated precinct boundaries and existing noise-sensitive properties would remain within acceptable limits.

Outdoor entertainment areas were identified as another concern because music and other sound generated outside buildings can be more difficult to contain.

Officers argued that outdoor venues contributed to Northbridge's character and economic activity and should be considered when establishing the new regulations.

The City was preparing a submission to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation requesting changes to the proposed framework.

As of October 2026, the regulations remained under consideration, with the final noise limits and operating requirements yet to be determined.