Honky Tonk owners rush to rectify DA “confusion” which says they agree to lower noise levels on ground floor
The City of Fremantle is taking decisive steps to safeguard its vibrant live music scene, as noise complaints from new residents threaten the future of popular venues like Honky Tonk Blues. This move comes in response to growing tensions between the city’s cultural heritage and residential development.
Honky Tonk Blues, a beloved local bar, faced potential closure earlier this year after neighbors lodged complaints about noise levels. Despite the backlash, the venue’s expansion plans were approved, albeit with a stringent sound limit of 85 decibels and additional noise mitigation measures. This situation is not unique, as other venues like Freo Social have also been targeted by developers concerned about noise.
Balancing Growth and Culture
The City of Fremantle is actively seeking ways to balance its increasing population with the preservation of its iconic live music and pub venues. As residential infill continues to rise, venue owners fear that the city’s unique cultural vibe could be at risk. In response, the council has initiated a working group to explore solutions.
This working group, which has convened multiple times and held a workshop with local hospitality representatives, aims to ensure that new developments incorporate adequate noise-dampening measures. The council unanimously voted on August 27 to produce a report within a year that will propose designated areas where elevated noise levels are acceptable and recommend changes to planning rules to address noise concerns effectively.
Learning from Past Experiences
Fremantle’s approach is informed by past attempts to address similar issues, such as the stalled efforts in Northbridge to create a “special entertainment precinct.” The city report emphasizes that new residents should adapt to existing conditions, rather than expecting long-standing venues to change.
“For example, a proposed new residential development moving in next to a well-established venue with amplified music will need to think carefully about acoustic treatments — rather than move in and then complain about the noise next door,” the report states.
Fremantle Councillor Andrew Sullivan has assured the community that the current measures are just the beginning. “I want to assure people that it’s not the end of this process. There is a lot more work to be done,” he said.
Community and Industry Reactions
Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge has voiced strong support for preserving the live music industry, recognizing its cultural and economic significance to Fremantle. Meanwhile, Honky Tonk Blues proprietor Joshua Paparo highlighted the challenges posed by the proximity of new residential developments.
“We’ve got two places where there’s physical connection and, obviously, that sound is just going to transmit straight through that,” Paparo noted, expressing concern over the lack of stringent requirements for developers to ensure soundproofing.
The threat to Freo Social sparked a campaign by Perth’s leading musicians and a pledge from WA Labor to exempt the venue from noise restrictions for four nights a week if re-elected. This highlights the broader struggle faced by live music venues across the region.
Looking Ahead
Anna Farrant, vice-convenor of the Buffalo Club, pointed out the uneven playing field between existing venues and new developments. “We’re not actively protected and, so often, we’re either small or not-for-profit venues that are battling against larger, better-resourced development companies,” she said.
The efforts in Fremantle could set a precedent for other cities grappling with similar issues, as they strive to balance urban development with the preservation of cultural landmarks. As the city moves forward, the outcomes of the working group’s recommendations will be closely watched by stakeholders invested in the future of live music.
Fremantle’s initiative represents a proactive approach to ensuring that its cultural identity remains intact while accommodating growth. The next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively the city can harmonize these competing interests.
