The EPA wants to know how noise regulations are affecting Victoria's live music precincts, and submissions close on 17 April.
Victoria’s live music precincts were designed to protect venues and prioritise live performance in designated areas. But despite that intent, the noise laws that apply inside those precincts are identical to the rules everywhere else. The EPA’s current review is looking at how to change that, making the noise framework actually match the purpose of the precincts it governs.
The consultation is built around five separate surveys targeting different groups with a stake in how live music noise is managed. Venue operators, nearby residents, local government staff, artists and music industry workers, and regular gig-goers can all have their say through the Engage Victoria platform.
EPA’s live music precinct noise regulation review
- What: Public consultation on noise regulations in live music precincts
- When: Open now, closing 17 April 2026
- Where: Engage Victoria — engage.vic.gov.au
- How: Complete the relevant survey or email a written submission to [email protected] by 17 April
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The review sits alongside a broader push from the Victorian government to reduce barriers for live music across the state. Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos announced the twin reviews in late 2025, covering both the precinct designation process and noise control rules within those zones. The precinct review aims to make it simpler for councils to establish live music precincts in their areas, while the noise review tackles the regulations venues have to navigate around amplified music, operating hours and permit requirements.
Feedback from the consultation will be analysed between April and November 2026, alongside noise and planning research. The EPA plans to report back to participants between November 2026 and February 2027, outlining what it heard and how the noise framework will change as a result.
Written submissions can also be emailed directly to the EPA. Anyone choosing that route can specify whether they consent to their submission being published as part of the consultation response report. All survey responses and submissions will be published on Engage Victoria unless marked otherwise.
For more information, head here.
